A tropical system to watch I am not one to toot the horn on storms that are roughly two weeks out, but this wave that is approaching the Cabo Verde Islands off Africa has raised an eyebrow and is worthy of keeping tabs on. Guidance is on again/off again regarding its long-term ideas on whether the Northeast or Atlantic Canada poses an obstacle to its journey. It's in a healthy environment with minimal shear, Saharan dust, along with warm ocean temperatures, and has the chance to develop into the first major hurricane of the year.  Upper level ridging keeps the system to the south heading into next week. That keeps the storm in the favorable environment to organize and to march to the west/northwest.  Guidance has been pitching the idea of the escape hatch to the north due to a slight weakness in the steering level. Where it goes from there depends on the ridging to the west and east, and whether or not a trough arrives to keep it over the ocean. It's a good time to check your storm supplies, test your generator if you have one, and plan in case this storm ends up in the region. With summer tourist season in high gear, there is a lot to think about for business owners as far as guest security and property. It's better to think about it now rather than get caught in the last-minute panic. No preparations would be done in vain as fall is coming, which is typically the stormiest time of the year. Temperatures and humidity begins to climb BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT for the Penobscot Bay / DownEast regions due to ocean temperatures below 60°F. Swimmers should use caution in the water due to hypothermia risks, and boaters would be wise to wear personal flotation devices. Expect these statements to continue through the weekend and into next week with heat on the way. HIGH FIRE DANGER covers the western mountains, central areas (Augusta & Bangor), along with the entire Maine coast. The Maine Forest Service Wildfire Danger Report updates are available by 9 AM. An upper-level ridge enters the region on Sunday and brings heat and humidity into the area. While it will be warm and a bit uncomfortable, the sea breeze is expected to pick up and will give some relief to the southern shorelines, MidCoast, and DownEast areas. As the ridge moves in, it may trigger an isolated shower or storm over the western mountains and up into the north, but by and large, the region stays dry. For those headed to the beach, claim your spot early as the midday high tide will limit space. As humidity increases, the risk of patchy fog overnight rises along the coast and around rivers, lakes, and ponds. However, it appears to be a clear night for much of the state. Temperatures build into Tuesday The thermometer rises on Monday and then peaks on Tuesday, with new record highs potentially in the offing for the north. The dew points in the mid-to-upper 60s will undoubtedly be made known, which will boost the heat indices up a handful of degrees more in spots. Still, the humidity does not appear to be as aggressive as what the region experienced earlier in the summer. The chances of the first heatwave of summer across much of the state seem likely. This could be a four-day stretch of heat for areas away from the shorelines. For those who are heat sensitive, pay attention to what your body is telling you. Find ways to stay cool if you do not have air conditioning. Cooling centers are available in many towns. Stay properly hydrated. Dry times continue A shortwave cold front is expected to enter the region Wednesday which will chip away at the heat dome. Showers and strong-to-severe storms are possible, but the risk appears isolated to scattered in nature. In this scenario, drought conditions will continue to expand. For those using groundwater resources for the basics should be in conservation mode. Use caution with campfires and make sure fires are put out properly.  Temperature outlook through Saturday The PTW Weather Wall updates 24/7 Your financial support of PTW is needed and appreciated! Always have MULTIPLE ways to receive weather alerts. Stay aware, stay on alert, and stay safe. - Mike PRINT MEDIA: Feel free to quote and cite my work here for your stories. Please give me the professional courtesy of knowing that you are referencing my material so I can read your final product and acknowledge it on my media and link it on the PTW IN MEDIA page here on the website. Feel free to send me a message via the Facebook page or Twitter (X) to get my phone number if necessary. Thank you! NOTE: The forecast information depicted on this platform is for general information purposes only for the public and is not designed or intended for commercial use. For those seeking pinpoint weather information for business operations, you should use a private sector source. For information about where to find commercial forecasters to assist your business, please message me and I will be happy to help you. |
Mike Haggett
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