Gradual warm up on the way for the week

Clouds to contend with Sunday,
​sprinkles possible overnight into Monday

NAM idea of 850mb (5000 ft ASL) Relative Humidity from 5 AM to 8 PM Sunday

Sunday features varying amounts of sun and clouds around the region due to warm air advection aloft associated with low pressure over the Great Lakes. Cloud cover depends on region and time of day. Coastal areas appear cloudier in the afternoon, northern areas cloudier in the morning. High temperatures range in the 60s for most. Pending on cloud development, southern interior areas may hit 70°. Far northern areas around the Allagash may struggle to break 60°. The wind takes a break for much of the state away from the shorelines and north, where breezes at times may reach 10-20 mph. 

NAM model radar idea from 4 PM Sunday to 10 AM Monday

The southern half of the state has a chance for sprinkle or light shower overnight, but clouds will be the rule for the overnight hours. A risk of frost is possible for northern areas where the sky is clear with temperatures in the low to mid-30s there. Where there are clouds, temperatures fall to the 40s. 

The sky clears out Monday, bringing a mostly sunny day, with highs in the 50s north and shorelines, with 60s elsewhere. 

Outlook for the week ahead: quiet and warmer

European ensemble idea of 500mb height anomaly (departure from normal) between 8 AM Sunday to 8 PM Saturday

As the cut-off upper level low sinks well south of the region, a feature known as a rex block sets up.  This blocking keeps Maine dry, with gradually rising temperatures, thanks to the building ridge. 

From the surface view, Tropical Storm Arthur appears to give the North Carolina shoreline a quick visit before heading out to sea, well south and east of the 40°N / 70°W benchmark point. The rex block keeps moisture to the south, and high pressure keeps the pattern relatively quiet and dry for Maine through much of the week. The ridge begins to break down as we head into Memorial Day Weekend, which may bring unsettled weather back to the area. Stay tuned for updates as the week unfolds. 

Temperature outlook: warming up

This is the time of year where interior areas warm up, and the shorelines stay on the cool side due to sea breezes from ocean temperatures in the 40s. Some areas may make a run for 80° by Friday.

The temps are going up, but the water is cold

Once temperatures climb into the 70s and reach 80° or more, the beach is an inviting idea. With COVID-19 shutting down most beaches for gatherings and stationary activity, it is a blessing this time of year. Winter was slow in departure. The region will need an extended period of warm weather to heat up the lakes and ocean to the point where swimming, canoeing and kayaking will be safe. Memorial Day Weekend will not be a safe time to engage in those activities due to water temperatures in the 40s. 

​Stay informed!

Hiking, camping or boating this summer?
BE PREPARED WITH A NOAA Weather Radio.

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​​► ► For the latest official forecasts, bulletins and advisories, please check in with the National Weather Service in Gray for western and southern areas, or Caribou for northern and eastern parts of Maine.

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Stay on alert, stay updated, and stay safe!

​- Mike