Another pleasant day "Hey Mike! This weather is awesome!" was exclaimed by one of my co-workers when I arrived at the office on Monday morning. I work with cold-blooded types who put the air conditioner on anytime the temperature is above 72°, which makes me close my door and turn the portable heater on so my fingers won't freeze up. Houlton tied a record low Monday morning of 39° (1985), and based on early Tuesday morning observations, it's likely that frost is on the ground at Escourt Station. Around this time in August, we have a cool spell, the reminder that astronomical fall starts in a month, and meteorological fall starts in two weeks. This bone-dry air with the low dew points will dry out what rain fell on Sunday. My prediction of very high wildfire danger was not agreed with by the forecasters with the Maine Forestry Service for Monday due to areas of rainfall on Sunday. While I shall bite a piece of humble pie on that one, I am in the school of thought that wildfire danger continues to run high as dry as it has been, and will continue to be. For the fire science folks, you can argue with me all you want, but you aren't changing my mind. The state is a tinderbox. A tease of showers on the way Wednesday It's kind of comical and sad at the same time that southwest New Hampshire has received some decent rainfall in the past week, but it can't get into southern Maine. At my location in Kennebunk I am at 0.33" of rainfall for the month, which is close to being as dry as the first 18 days of August 2020. We had a dry summer that year as well. The birch trees began to drop leaves in my backyard around July 4th that year. Drought went to extreme levels over parts of the south before we turned the corner in October that year. Time will tell if history will repeat itself, but for now, bet on dry times until further notice. Erin to begin to impact the shorelines Wednesday For those hoteliers & innkeepers who follow, it would be wise to educate the tourists about the dangers of rip currents and waves. While it won't exactly be beach weather until late week, the curious will want to see the surf, which I understand. The ocean is incredible to watch when it gets churned up, but at a safe distance. With area beaches thin on lifeguards, with most colleges back in session, a common-sense approach to respect the conditions is in order. Recently, my wife and I took a trip to Pemaquid Point, where the lightkeepers' quarters feature a video loop showing people being hit by renegade waves and swept into the water. This type of ocean activity kills people. Please respect the power of the ocean for what it is, and stay safe. Expect rip current risk to reach high levels on Thursday and Friday, with seas building upwards of 10 feet in exposed areas. High surf advisories are coming. Another tease for potluck rainfall early next week Forecast ideas for rainfall have been a cruel tease in the more extended range for a while now. For those desperate for liquid gold, whether to irrigate gardens or meet basic necessities, the disappointment of underperforming precipitation amounts causes anger and frustration. I've been there. The idea here isn't much different than those we have seen this summer at this range. The idea of a longer wave tapping into moisture to the south is out there, which brings a bit of hope for measurable rainfall, but for now, I throw the caution flag at the potential outcome. This will be updated.  Temperature outlook through Monday The PTW Weather Wall updates 24/7 Your financial support keeps the lighthouse lit |
Mike Haggett
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