A perfect ending to the unofficial end of summer The holiday weekend wraps up with slightly warmer temperatures as high pressure settles in and takes control through Tuesday. The sea breeze picks up in the afternoon with the incoming tide, which will cool the shores. Clouds enter southwestern areas in the afternoon as a disturbance over the Mid-Atlantic tries to force the issue against the surface high. As holiday travel increases with the departure of visitors and summer residents, please travel safely. For a clue what the Maine Turnpike looks like to the south, the local Kennebunk page here on PTW has images from webcams from Biddeford to Kittery. Outlook for rain chances through next weekend Tuesday 12z (8 AM) to Monday 12z (8 AM) - A look at the 500mb steering level winds shows high pressure aloft getting squashed out as an upper-level trough digs in. With the eastern position of the ridging offshore, which has been consistent for August, the region has struggled to receive rainfall. The subtropical jet stream is held offshore, along with the moisture it carries.  Tuesday 12z (8 AM) to Monday 12z (8 AM) - A weak disturbance works to shove the surface high to the east and bring the risk of showers along the Quebec border region on Wednesday. The trough is expected to dig in and bring showers to the area on Friday. What moisture this has to work with comes from Hudson Bay and the Great Lakes. It appears to get enough rain to wet the surface and help diminish the wildfire danger threat that will build during the week, but without the influence of the subtropical jet to juice the atmosphere, the widespread soaker the region needs to put a dent in the drought stays offshore. The idea for now is that upstream blocking over the North Atlantic may slow down the passage of the frontal boundary, which would keep the risk of showers going through the weekend. This forecast will be updated.  Temperature outlook through Sunday The PTW Weather Wall updates 24/7  Your financial support keeps the lighthouse lit |
Mike Haggett
|
