With temperatures reaching the high 90s and heat indexes rising to over 100 degrees, large swaths of Maine are under an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.
As of 1:30 p.m., the NWS issued a severe thunderstorm watch for a storm system that is moving east across the state. Counties under the watch include Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo and York. The watch is in effect until 8 p.m.
The major hazards from potential storms include high wind gusts reaching 70 miles per hour, as well as quarter-sized hail. Hail over 1 inch in diameter can damage vehicles, and can injure pets or small children. High wind speeds may damage trees and power lines.
The heat warning is in effect for the greater Bangor area through 8 p.m. this evening, and spans southern Penobscot County. The warning extends Down East to Hancock and Washington counties.
Looking south, the heat warning has been issued for York, Cumberland, Androscoggin and Kennebec counties, as well as for coastal Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties.
Northwestern Piscataquis and Aroostook counties, as well as northern Somerset County, saw the heat advisory and hazardous weather outlook lifted Thursday morning.
The potential for heat-related illnesses will be high today, and any opportunities to avoid strenuous, outdoors activity are recommended. Maine emergency rooms see the number of people seeking treatment for heat-related illnesses increase when temperatures are above 80 degrees, according to the Maine Department of Human Health and Services.
Dew points remain moderately high on Thursday, with the Bangor area experiencing around 57 percent air humidity today. That’s a marked difference from the 83 percent air humidity reported Wednesday.
Thunderstorms will be likely throughout the regions under the excessive heat warning, with periodic intense storms after 4 p.m., according to forecasters. Intermittent storms could bring heavy rains, hail and will likely be accompanied by high wind gusts.
Ozone layers are on the decline from Wednesday’s data, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, with a moderate warning spanning the length of Maine’s coast. Elevated levels of particle pollution have decreased as well since Wednesday, with moderate pollution expected in western Maine and across the entirety of the coastline. Particle pollution was present across the entire forecast region on Wednesday.
Coastal Maine will see slightly lower temperatures than inland, but highs are expected to remain in the 90s. Showers are likely throughout the evening.
According to the NWS, a number of heat records set in 2020 were matched on Wednesday. Caribou saw a daily high of 96, matching a record set for the third time in 2020, while the heat index made the northern city feel hotter than Miami.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Bangor was a high of 102 degrees, which was recorded on Aug. 2, 1975. It stands to be seen whether temperatures on Wednesday or Thursday will break that record.
Extreme heat combined with high humidity can increase the risk for heat illnesses, including heat stroke. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room or an area with moving air and to stay out of the sun when possible.
If you do not have an air conditioner or heat pump, these suggestions can help you stay cool during the day. You can also visit one of the state’s cooling centers, which are open to the public. Some cooling centers will offer rides, as well as pets that are in crates.
Going for a swim can help you cool down, but ocean temperatures are around 55 degrees at this time of year and could induce hypothermia. You can contract hypothermia easily when swimming in water under 64 degrees.
While many public pools aren’t open yet, there’s plenty of great natural swimming spots in the greater Bangor area.
You’ll also want to think about your pets during the heat wave. Animals aren’t able to cool themselves through sweating the way that humans can, and when air temperatures and dew points are high, it is even more difficult for both you and your pets to stay cool. Here’s a few tips on how to help your furry friends through the rest of the week.
While you’re thinking about your animals, it’s important to think about your plants whether you have a hobby garden or a full-blown homestead. These are just a few things you can do to prevent your tomato plants from withering away
