Tropical storm remnants bring heavy rain, lingering humidity to Maine

By Leela Stockley, Bangor Daily News Staff

Maine is in for a wet Wednesday evening. 

The forecast shows the remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl moving eastward across the state throughout the day, with daytime high temperatures and humidity turning over to thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, according to the National Weather Service.

A flood watch has been issued for much of the state, excepting northern Aroostook and Piscataquis counties and the majority of the Down East region. 

Storms are most likely to occur after 2 p.m., Pine Tree Weather forecaster Mike Haggett said Wednesday morning. The storm system that has been carried along the jet stream brings high dew point temperatures with it, and humid conditions are expected to last at least through Friday. 

The Maine highlands will likely see the majority of the rainfall Wednesday, with three to four inches of rain possible throughout the evening. Streams, residential areas and small rivers are at risk for flooding. 

The current storm system remains somewhat unpredictable, with some tornado conditions possible in western Maine. Because of the nature of the tropical storm system, cyclical winds could form in parts of the state if air temperatures are warm enough throughout the afternoon, according to Haggett.

No significant cold front is attached to the system, meaning temperatures will stay moderately high through Friday. Bangor can expect a daytime high in the upper 70s, while temperatures will be in the 80s in southern Maine. Coastal temperatures will be slightly cooler, in the 70s, with slight winds.  

Don’t expect much relief from the humidity anytime soon either; dew points will likely stay in the 60s through the beginning of next week. Mornings will be foggy for the next few days, giving way to daytime temperatures in the 80s throughout most of the state.