Fire concerns increase as dry conditions persist For those fortunate enough to pick up some rainfall with the storms that passed through Sunday afternoon, that will be it for perhaps a week. When the northerly wind flows, the dry air comes with it. While many may appreciate the lack of humidity and comfortable temperatures that Maine is known for in the summer, the lack of widespread meaningful rainfall and deep, dry soil conditions makes this air mass poisonous in regards to wildfire potential.  To relieve some concern, the breeze behind the frontal boundary that passed through last night will diminish in the afternoon. The Maine Forest Service Wildfire Danger Report is posted by around 9 AM, and given the dynamics here, VERY HIGH fire danger is likely the outcome for much, if not all, of the state. With dew points in the 30s and 40s, it's easy to guess what the overnight low temperatures are likely to be. A clear sky and radiational cooling bring a fall-like feel over the next couple of mornings. Erin churns along and prepares to head north A year ago, Ernesto passed well to the east of Maine, and Erin is likely to do the same thing on Friday. Erin is a healthy major hurricane and will continue into favorable areas to maintain and/or strengthen as it shifts northwest and then to the north by midweek. Swells from the system are expected to arrive at the Grand Banks on Monday and enter the Gulf of Maine on Wednesday, and will be an issue through next weekend. Monitoring the ocean gauges, Portland has been quietly running with a storm surge of around half a foot at high tide. Astronomical high tides are on the way with the new moon. Early calls for waves run 5-10 feet by late week, and those heights may increase. Minor splash over, beach/dune erosion, and borderline flood levels for low-lying areas are possible. Warmer temperatures are on the way later in the week as peak surf arrives from Erin. It will be concerning for our shorelines as a public safety threat, as dangerous rip currents and curious onlookers who venture out on the rocks to get photos would put themselves at risk of getting knocked over and washed away. Another tropical system may form in the wake of Erin, which will be the next one to watch.  Temperatures and outlook through SundayHigh pressure moving into the region Monday passes east and sets up the potential for a gusty sea breeze on Tuesday A weak frontal boundary is on track to move through the region Wednesday that may bring a shower to the mountains, and increase the southerly breeze a bit more. Warmer temperatures return late week, but with fair humidity levels. The next chance for rain come Sunday/Monday next week, and confidence at this point is low on amounts.  The PTW Weather Wall updates 24/7 Your financial support keeps the lighthouse lit |
Mike Haggett
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