PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) — Warm weather is here in Maine, so it’s time to start thinking about summer temperatures.
On average, we usually see our first 80-degree day of the year around now, in mid-May. For Portland, the average first 80-degree day is May 14. But in 2024, Portland didn’t hit that mark until May 22.
Across central and southern Maine, the first 80-degree day is similar, usually occurring by May 16.
For the midcoast through Down East, northern Maine and the higher elevations, it usually comes by May 31.
In past years, the first 80-degree day has arrived as early as March, in 2012, and as late as late June, in 1958.
Long stretches of heat in Maine are historically uncommon. However, we have seen more long runs of uncomfortable weather in recent years.
The record for the most 80-degree days in a row is 22, set back in 2022. Just last year, Maine recorded the fourth most 80-degree days on record with 12 in a row.
For even hotter temperatures of 90-plus, we usually see the first 90-degree day around June 18.
Ninety degree days in Maine are extremely variable, but there have only been six years since 1941 when temperatures have not hit that mark, most recently in the wet and cool summer of 2023.
Summer heat is not expected any time soon, but a warmer and wetter than normal summer is forecast. We’ll likely be dealing with more hot and humid days than usual in Maine this year.