Rain and humidity take over the weather pattern through the week; severe chances possible

A showery day for much of the western half of the state

The first of several days of unsettled weather begins Saturday night and will carry into Sunday. With the approaching storm, humidity will also be on the increase. It appears to be a sticky week with more chances for showers and storms as the week unfolds. 

Sunday won't be a total loss

High pressure from the east appears to push the storm westward toward the Great Lakes, which will keep most of the eastern half of the state relatively dry outside of a chance shower or pop up storm. Since the state will be on fringe of storm track, any sky clearance for sunshine brings the threat for thunderstorms to develop. While the severe threat is low, it cannot be ruled out. Frequent lightning, gusty winds, and downpours are all possible. 

Models are also indicating some spin in the mid to low level of the atmosphere. Chances for tornado activity are very low, but are possible.

Humid air mass means strong to severe
​storm threats all week

Guidance has been quite consistent with the idea of the sticky (greens and tans) and oppressive (yellows and reds) humidity hanging around all week. High pressure to the east appears to block the trough in the west from gaining too much ground. Given the unsettled conditions and disturbances tracking along the boundary, the heat stays away due to cloud cover and shower/storm activity. The region -may- get a break from the humidity at some point next weekend. At the very least, it appears to be around through the workweek. at least. 

Unsettled weather through the week

As the European forecast loop indicates, the high pressure area to the east doesn't appear to move a whole lot through next Saturday. It will strengthen, weaken, and wobble a bit, generally holds firm. The week won't be a total washout. There does appear to be breaks here and there, but it would be wise to expect some form of shower and thunderstorm activity every day, to be on the safe side. 

Again, with the humidity comes the threat for severe weather chances. Storms could form very rapidly and pack a punch when they develop. The tip off key is to watch for the sun. If you see it, plan on some sort of shower / storm activity to occur. Take necessary precautions to be near a building shelter in case storm occur. Make sure you can receive storm bulletins from the National Weather Service with an alert activated NOAA Weather Radio or a trusted smartphone app. I recommend the Weather Radio by WDT app as it has served me well no matter where I travel in the United States. It has no advertisements and the performance is excellent when set up properly.

As always, stay in touch with the National Weather Service in Caribou for eastern and northern Maine, or Gray for western and southern areas for the latest forecasts, bulletins and advisories. 

For more information from me, please follow Pine Tree Weather on Facebook and my Twitter @WesternMEwx 

Always stay weather aware! 

Thanks as always for your support!

​- Mike