Ready or not, here it comes From under the pier at Old Orchard Beach, my photo The heat and humidity have held off through the first month of summer around Maine, but that pattern is about to change. While the warmth does not appear to be excessive, the moisture in the air appears to ebb and flow between muggy and soupy for all areas starting Monday and going through Thursday. In this pattern, the chances for showers and thunderstorms increase given the instability provided by the humid air. It will be an eye-to-the-sky week as strong to severe storms are possible Monday and Tuesday, then again on Thursday. It will be important to stay on alert, have multiple ways to receive alerts, and stay updated on the forecast for timing and potential impacts. A slight chance of a pop-up shower Sunday This is an interesting set up for the day as the ocean breeze helps to raise dew points which sets up a boundary with the dry air over the interior. This creates instability and brings the chance for a pop-up shower and/or thunderstorm for the coastal plain in the afternoon into the early evening. Storms appear to be the pulse variety, which would bring a quick dump of rain with some wind and then fizzle out. It may dampen any outdoor dinner plans, so be aware and have a Plan B if necessary, just in case. For those heading for the ocean beaches, expect space availability to become cramped as the high tide arrives mid-afternoon. Much needed rain on the way Monday into Tuesday Monday 9 AM to Tuesday 2 AM - Several things going here. First, dew points are likely to surge as upper-level ridging pushes the initial wave into the region and ushers in a tropical feel. With the potential for rain also comes the threat of storms, which could be strong to severe. Storms could bring tropical downpours which could cause localized flash flooding and damaging wind. Guidance is hinting that there could be enough spin in the atmosphere for isolated tornadoes. On top of that, there could be a mesoscale convective system that could develop and continue showers and storms through Monday night and into Tuesday. I can't rule out the potential for nocturnal severe storm potential, which is a rarity in this part of the planet. Stay tuned for updates on this. Fingers crossed and prayers sent up that the state gets a good soaking from this to help with the drought conditions. Ideas range from ½-1" with locally heavier amounts as the general rule. A cold front approaches Thursday to bring |
Mike Haggett
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