The first two days of July sent parts of Aroostook County soaring into weather record territory.
Caribou broke or tied three records during the period, according to the National Weather Service.
Amid sweltering heat and humidity elsewhere in Maine, the city hit 90 degrees on Wednesday and broke its record for July 1, which was 89 degrees, set in 2014.
It then tied the July 2 record high of 91 degrees, which was set in 2014.
And, just before midnight Thursday, with a temperature of 71 degrees, Caribou tied the highest minimum temperature on record — not only for July 2, but for any day since records started being kept in 1939.
That record warm low of 71 was last seen on June 19, 2024, which had tied the existing record set on July 2, 2014.
Presque Isle is also believed to have broken its 12-year heat record of 91 for July 2, with a high of 91.9 degrees recorded Thursday.
Frenchville had measured a high of 86 Thursday afternoon, and Houlton, 91. Both were a few degrees shy of record highs for the date.
Farther south in Bangor, its July 2 high of 93 degrees tied a 75-year record for the day, set in 1941.
The first bout of summer heat can leave people unprepared. Hot and humid weather challenges the body’s ability to cool itself, according to the weather service. People can also lose excessive fluid or salts from sweat or not drinking enough, which can lead to heat-related illnesses.
The weather service forecasts mid-80s on Wednesday and Thursday, returning to around 80 for the weekend. Dewpoints in the comfortable below-60 range are expected to rise to 63 and 64 on Thursday, returning to the 50s for the weekend.
As more summer heat bears down, people should drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, avoid being out in direct sun from late morning through midafternoon, wear light-colored clothing and a hat, the American Red Cross advises. Anyone experiencing nausea or dizziness should head someplace cool as soon as possible and call 911.
For those who have nowhere cool to go, the Aroostook County Emergency Management Agency lists several communities that will offer cooling centers where people can get out of the heat.
For other locations, visit Maine Emergency Management Agency and search for Aroostook.