After the storms pass, dry times through Saturday Another hot and humid day is expected as a cold front approaches and moves through the region tonight. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop along and ahead of the front today, with some storms potentially reaching strong to severe levels. Much drier and more comfortable air is expected to arrive on Friday, accompanied by lower humidity, cooler temperatures, and breezy west winds. This cooler, drier air pattern is likely to persist throughout the weekend. However, a cold front will move in on Saturday night and continue into Sunday, bringing the chance of some showers. High pressure will build back in for the start of next week. Showers and storms may be possible on Wednesday as a trough dips in. Wind picks up on Friday to blow the humidity away Thursday 10 PM to Saturday Midnight - After the cold front passes through Thursday night, the wind shifts from the northeast to the southeast and remain southeasterly throughout the day on Friday. Wind gusts will be the most significant, reaching approximately 40 mph in the early morning hours on Friday, particularly in the mountains. These winds will accompany the cold front as it pushes southeast through the state on Friday. As the morning progresses, wind gusts will generally range from 25 to 30 mph across the entire region. Gusts will slowly taper down as the afternoon approaches, but will still be noticeable by the late hours of the day. Boaters and individuals planning water activities must remain vigilant, as these gusts can create choppy conditions and rough waves. Saturday continues to be the pick of the weekendHigh pressure will shift offshore on Saturday, allowing southwesterly winds to usher in a warmer air mass. As high pressure persists throughout the day, conditions are expected to be mostly dry. Temperatures will rise to near seasonal averages, while dew points remain comfortably in the 50s. With dew points in the 50s, high temperatures should feel warm but not humid, making for a pleasant and comfortable summer day. By Saturday night, a cold front will begin to approach from the north, with showers developing ahead of it. Showers on the way for Sunday A widespread area of rain showers is likely to impact Maine on Sunday, associated with a broad trough and a surface low-pressure system passing through the Northeast. This pattern favors enhanced lift and moisture convergence, increasing the likelihood of rainfall across the region. Showers could begin in the west during the morning hours and move toward Central and Eastern Maine by the afternoon or evening hours, depending on the exact track of the forcing. Localized heavy rain is possible, especially in areas near high terrain or those with embedded convection. Furthermore, a slight shift to the west or east would speed up or delay the onset of rain in some areas. However, model guidance suggests that most of Maine will see at least light measurable rain. The breeze returns to start the week A cold front is expected to move south across Maine from Canada on Monday. The wind forecast for Monday highlights breezy conditions throughout much of Maine, with sustained winds generally ranging from 10 to 14 mph, and gusts expected to reach around 15 to 22 mph. These winds are being driven by a tightening pressure gradient ahead of a high-pressure system approaching from the west. The strongest winds are forecast across central and far northeastern Maine, where persistent northwesterly flow may lead to choppy conditions on open waters. Coastal areas can also expect steady breezes, although slightly lighter than those in inland areas. Outlook through midweek A lingering upper-level trough over eastern Canada will continue to influence Maine’s weather into Wednesday, particularly across northern and eastern parts of the state. As northwesterly flow persists aloft, slightly unstable air may support scattered clouds and a few leftover showers. While southern and western Maine will tend drier with improving conditions, temperatures statewide will remain near or slightly below average for late July. Overall, lingering instability and weak cold air aloft, combined with surface moisture, could still support isolated or leftover showers from the previous system. Temperature outlook through Wednesday Today's update prepared by Penn State graduate |
Mike Haggett
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