Beneficial Soaking Rain Arrives in Maine Wednesday

A soaking rain is expected to move into Maine during the middle of the week, bringing the potential for more than two inches of rainfall in some areas.

According to WGME, a slow-moving area of low pressure will approach the state Wednesday, allowing rain to develop and become steadier as the day continues.

The heaviest rain is currently expected Wednesday afternoon through the overnight hours and into Thursday. Forecast totals could range from 1 to 2.5 inches across portions of Western and Coastal Maine.

WGME said the rainfall is considered beneficial following a stretch of drier weather, but periods of moderate to heavy rain could lead to ponding on roads and difficult driving conditions. Thunderstorms are also possible Wednesday and Thursday, which could produce locally higher rainfall amounts.

Before the wetter pattern arrives, Monday will remain mostly sunny and comfortable, with low humidity and temperatures in the upper 70s and lower 80s. A few showers or thunderstorms could develop in the western Maine mountains and northern New Hampshire during the afternoon.

Tuesday will be warmer and more humid, with most communities remaining dry. Scattered showers and thunderstorms will again be possible in western Maine during the evening. Wildfire smoke may also give the sky a hazy or milky appearance, the news station reported.

Fog could affect parts of Interstate 95 and other major roads during the morning hours, especially across southern and western Maine.

Showers may continue into Friday before the system finally moves away. Drier conditions are currently expected to return for the weekend.