Wednesday August 20, 2025

8/20/2025

Another day with a fall-like feel

Cloud cover and cooler-than-normal temperatures are dominant features on the weather map for the middle part of the week. A southerly wind direction will be more noticeable along the shorelines, along with an increase in ocean swell activity. There is a risk of a light shower/sprinkle in the Rangeley region south to York County, but dry air associated with high pressure to the east will likely eat up moisture trying to nose in.

It won't be much of a beach day, but be aware that rip currents in the Casco Bay to Penobscot Bay region are moderate, and lifeguards may be scarce or non-existent.

Safety first.

Surf and rip currents from Erin to affect the shorelines
into the weekend

Wednesday 8 AM (12z) to Monday 10 AM (15z) - For those planning a summer sail trip or planning on exploring with a smaller boat, you may want to think twice about it. The chop begins today and will increase through Friday before slowly settling over the weekend. It may be Monday before the ocean calms enough for safe boating for most pleasure craft.

The shorelines are likely to be contending with beach erosion as near-shore waves in exposed areas build to 6-10' by Friday (renegade waves higher). The risk for oceanside onlookers is real.

The high tide is building to the astronomical peak with the new moon on Saturday. This observation from the Portland harmonic station indicates the tide is running about ½' above normal with storm surge. Current forecasts thinking 1¼' of surge is possible with the higher evening tides Thursday and Friday. The potential is there for minor flooding in the typical low lying areas, along with splash over along the beach walls along the coast.

While this is not a major situation, it is a safety concern for the curious and the daring photographers. With temperatures warming heading into the weekend, the itch to go the beach will be there for some. While it is fine to watch the waves, going in the water, even knee deep, could be perilous.

Temperature and outlook through Tuesday

With chances for rainfall on Wednesday being minimal, the next opportunity comes in the Monday/Tuesday window. It may be the best chance for much-needed rain in a while. Hopefully, Lucy doesn't steal the football from Charlie Brown.

We'll see if the ideas are fact or fiction.

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- Mike

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