‘Fed up’ with rain in Maine
6/30/09 | 34 comments
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‘Fed up’ with rain in Maine


No end in sight for record-setting precipitation
By Jessica Bloch
BDN Staff
BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY BRIDGET BROWN
The beach was empty Monday at Swan Lake State Park in Swanville where visitors were on short supply. “It’s been a challenge,” said park manager Blaine Winchester of the rainy weather. “If people come, our lifeguards are sitting on the beach in the rain.” Buy Photo
BANGOR, Maine — Sick of the rain yet? Better get used to it — the end is not in sight. As a record-setting month of precipitation comes to a close, it will be a while before we see any sunny summer days, the National Weather Service in Caribou said Monday afternoon.

Bangor has had a total of 7.62 inches of precipitation in the first 28½ days of June, besting the previous record of 7.46 set in 2006. Records have been kept since 1925.

So far this month, NWS observers have recorded 21 days with at least a trace of precipitation. Of the eight dry days, six have actually been sunny.

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Enough is enough, most people said Monday afternoon. “I think I’m going to start building an ark,” said Fredericton, New Brunswick, resident Bob Jones, who stopped at Borders bookstore while visiting Bangor with his wife, Alvina. “We’re fed up. The weather’s as bad [in Fredericton] and it’s been discouraging.”

Hot, sunny, summer weather must be coming our way any minute, right? And surely, the weather will be perfect for Fourth of July celebrations on Saturday.

Wrong, said Lee Foster of the Caribou weather station. The sun may peek through later in the week, he said, but things aren’t expected to change much until next week at the earliest.

Foster said another upper-level low, the same kind of system that has brought our current weather pattern, is now over the Great Lakes and is expected to arrive Sunday or Monday.

Portland hasn’t hit its record of 10.86 inches of rain set in 1917, but Maine’s largest city has had 8.17 inches so far this month, said Butch Roberts of the NWS station in Gray.

Millinocket, another town for which the NWS has up-to-date information, has had 6.01 inches so far. The record there is 10.64 inches, set in 1992. Caribou has had a little more than 2 inches of rain, but the same cloudiness as in other areas of the state, Foster added.

Average temperatures in Bangor have been about 3½ degrees cooler than normal, Foster said. The normal high for late June is 77 degrees with an average low of 57. The lows this month have been higher, he said because of cloud cover at night.

The NWS likely won’t receive precipitation data for most of its smaller stations until the end of the month or early in July. It’s likely other towns could be near records, too, as places such as Lisbon Falls, Old Town, Orono and Harrington got more than 5 inches of rain during the weekend of June 19-21 alone.

Roberts said the NWS Gray office had a report of 3.18 inches on Monday alone from an observer in West Rockport.

Some areas also have seen minor flooding and some road closures. The town of Sherman called an emergency meeting of its selectmen and road commissioners for noon Tuesday to deal with road repairs due to a thunderstorm that moved through the southern Aroostook County area Friday.

Foster said there were reports Friday of golf ball-size hail and a funnel cloud that did limited damage in Stockholm.

Although rainfall totals can be documented, the level of grumpiness found in people who have been rained on for weeks at a time can’t be quantified. “Everyone wants to know if the sun is still a yellow ball,” Foster said with a laugh.

A lack of sun is no small matter, however, to people who are predisposed to depression or suffer from seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Clinical psychologist and University of Maine professor Sandra Sigmon said she’s already had some calls from people in the community with questions about SAD.

“Research shows people are very much affected by long periods of gray, cloudy days,” she said. “It tends to bring people down. Individuals who have a history of depression or [SAD] tend to get more depressed during long periods of gray, cloudy days, especially in spring or summer.”

As soon as the sun returns, Sigmon said, it’s important for people to be outside for around 15 minutes a day, which is the amount of time needed to stimulate vitamin D production. Low levels of the vitamin have been linked to depression and osteoporosis, Sigmon added.

To counteract depression brought on by cloudy, gray weather, Sigmon suggests keeping busy indoors. “People have to do other things to keep active, whether it’s the movies, library, museums, a hobby, some kind of fix-it project,” she said. “We know people who cut back on activity levels also get depressed.”

For the Joneses, this time of year would mean keeping busy in their garden, but slugs and moisture have ravaged their plants and flowers. The couple usually enjoy barbecues, family get-togethers and other outdoor activities that have been moved inside or canceled.

“[Alvina] had a vacation Bible school last week and there were a lot of regular activities where they had to use Plan B, because Plan A just didn’t work,” Bob Jones said.

Hermon resident Pat Long has enjoyed the recent stretch.

“I love this. I don’t like hot weather,” Long said as she headed into Borders. “I’m from [cooler] northern Maine, and I don’t like it hot, so this to me is heaven. And I’ve been rehabbing from knee replacement surgery so I’ve been inside the whole time.”

Bob Jones looked on the bright side as only a Mainer or Canadian could.

“At least we don’t have to shovel this,” he said.

jbloch@bangordailynews.net

990-8287

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Comments
34 comments on this item
On 6/29/09 at 10:56 PM, cm1113 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I got no problem with the rain, but I would like some sun already.

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On 6/29/09 at 11:22 PM, Jennifer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

What ever happened to Global warming?

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On 6/29/09 at 11:34 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Some sun would be very welcomed. But just because it is cool and rainy here, does not mean the whole country is getting this weather. There are parts of the country suffering under temperatures in the 100's. So the weather we have had this June in Maine does not indicate anything definitive about climate change or not, of course.

I especially feel sorry for those in the tourist industry and how this will affect their businesses and livelihoods if this weather does not improve soon.

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On 6/30/09 at 12:38 AM, bxr3main wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

after that big bay north of the great lakes covers us all...what am i saying. Glad for this article, i though ti was my imagination. funyy to mention 1992, that is the last time I remember such a bizarre rain for central maine. and that had chernobyl as a hillbilly guess...whos got the nuclear mistakes now....

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On 6/30/09 at 2:09 AM, bassman4447 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

its been a tuff fishing season so far .the wife and i have caught and released 393 bass so far this year. our record season was 2006 .1500 fish in one season . going this weekend rain or shine . wish us luck lol

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On 6/30/09 at 5:16 AM, begformercy wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This is God's punishment for re-electing Baldacci.

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On 6/30/09 at 7:00 AM, Coolfusion wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

To think.. Yesterday, the Congress just committed us taxpayers to $1,000,000,000,000 more taxes to combat global warming while the EPA released a study that stated that the earth will experience a wave of mild global cooling until 2024. Hey, you voted for these corrput idiots.

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On 6/30/09 at 8:10 AM, berquis wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

The picture of the pop up is going to be me this weekend! First time camping with the camper in the rain...hope it holds up!!! And then vacation the week of the 20th...sun by then I hope! Keep your fingers crossed!

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On 6/30/09 at 8:53 AM, HarryHSnyderIII wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I'm sick of Micheal Jackson coverage, I'm sick of talk radio. I'm sick of our self serving politicians, BUT I'm not sick of the rain. Cool fresh water which is our blessing here in New England will insure full wells, damp forests, and plenty of green.

I have an idea for all those folks who want LOTS of sun, Arizona, and New Mexico have bunches of it this year. My advice? Bring water with you, it's in short supply there!

With 6.5 Billion people on the planet, many living where water is scarce, water may be the next oil,

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On 6/30/09 at 9:29 AM, llep54 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I agree it is Bauldys fault.

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On 6/30/09 at 9:32 AM, RoundPonder wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I would rather be here than in the DESERT of Arizona, California and other western DUST BOWLS...

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On 6/30/09 at 10:09 AM, countryliving wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

As mentioned in the article. SAD and depression are real medical conditions. I know. I suffer from clinical depression. It has been very hard to deal with this summer. I feel great when I get some sun. This month has been hell for me and others I know that suffer from these conditions. No ENERGY and just feel sad. I hope we get some sun soon so that we can feel half way decent again. If I were a camper, as I once was, I wouldn't even have the energy to pack !! I hate this weather and don't understand those who actually say they like it. What's up with that? They must also like the dark gloomy days of winter too?

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On 6/30/09 at 10:50 AM, drc480 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This is the punishment that Maine gutet's for Gay Marriage, helping to put Obamba into office, I could keep on going and going and going.

What a bunch of jerks

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On 6/30/09 at 10:51 AM, drc480 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

watch the spelling drc

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On 6/30/09 at 11:28 AM, coldbarnocker wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

my garden would love some sun, but I do enjoy the temperature.

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On 6/30/09 at 11:34 AM, IownMaine wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

bxrmain .... North Korea nuke test

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On 6/30/09 at 11:35 AM, BucksportMom wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

countryliving- I'm with you- I don't need it to be hot, just a little bit of sunshine now and then would help immensely! I thought people with SAD exaggerated, but now I know first hand how bad it can be.

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On 6/30/09 at 11:42 AM, JohnBuck wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

This wx is horrid. For those who whine when it does warm up, consider--our winters are at least 5 months long. What is wrong with a couple weeks of hi 80's termps? Heck, last summer we never even hit 90 once. Summer (and family) is the only thing keeping me in this state.

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On 6/30/09 at 12:05 PM, astrol64 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I would rather have rain than wildfires! I certainly like the cool rain brings compared to hazy hot and humid! As for depression, that doc is right; keeping busy does help. I have BPD which includes depression. For those who really must have sun, what about shopping for a sunlamp?

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On 6/30/09 at 12:47 PM, MaineGuy50 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Seeing as the weather cannot be controlled, suck it up and enjoy all of what life has to offer. Maine, and in particular the "Highlands" area is breathtaking no matter what the weather conditions are. However, one could always move to southern California or one of the desert states; there are roads leading out of Maine to any one of those states.

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On 6/30/09 at 12:47 PM, jlangley wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Say hello to climate change people - I encourage interested readers to visit this link : http://www.globalchange.gov/publications/reports/scientific-assessments/us-impacts/regional-climate-change-impacts/northeast

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On 6/30/09 at 1:10 PM, David889327 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Oh darn - now the sun's coming out and all I can think about is mowing.

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On 6/30/09 at 1:30 PM, berquis wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

It hasn't rained at all where I am since about 5am!!!! B-B-Qing tonight!!

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On 6/30/09 at 1:38 PM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

berquis what time do you want us for the BBQ & do you have any whoppie pies??...:)

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On 6/30/09 at 1:59 PM, berquis wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Ha ha come on over!! I don't have whoopie pies but I did bake suger cookies yesterday! :)

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On 6/30/09 at 3:00 PM, Stevey_Dee wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

You know pab the whole gang could get together for a cook out. Just like the ones we use to have over at you know who's house in MDI..

Ice cold PBR's and yellow colored fruity drinks.

David and Boogy never could behave themselves.

Duckman just jumped in the pool and quacked around all day..

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On 6/30/09 at 3:10 PM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Sounds good, a little canoe ride at sunset, bonfire, perfect!

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On 6/30/09 at 3:32 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

astrol64: I agree. I would rather have some rain than severe heat and humidity too. For people who like that kind of weather, Maine is really not the place to be! We are fortunate here in the type of weather we have.......think severe tornadoes, severe hurricanes,etc. that other parts of the country have.

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On 6/30/09 at 4:52 PM, Stevey_Dee wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

I hope berquis don't mind doing the cooking and cleaning....

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On 6/30/09 at 5:02 PM, Stevey_Dee wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Cher can you cook too?

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On 6/30/09 at 5:31 PM, chersully2000 wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Telefunkinu: I can cook ....not a chef or anything, but okay. berquis would have to be the whoopie pie person though. I am getting hungry right now.....time for supper! Not sure how berquis feels about the cleaning, though. Think it was berquis who someone on here (not you) told to go to the laundromat yesterday......I never got that one!! Not sure what they meant......

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On 6/30/09 at 5:33 PM, Stevey_Dee wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Not me for the laundrymat...

I'm trying to cook a pizza while battleing a head cold.

Wife asked what was for supper and I said pizza.:)

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On 6/30/09 at 5:41 PM, PabMainer wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Cook pizza?? I thought that is why we have Pizza Hut!!

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On 7/1/09 at 11:18 AM, berquis wrote:         Repeated separate thumbs down will cause comment to be hidden

Sorry, a little too late guys!! I am out of work at 4:30 so missed most of this conversation ha ha! I still don't understand the laundromat thing either :) Cooking and cleaning isn't a problem as long as the sun stays out, then we are all outside ha ha. I did have burgers on the grill...yum!

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