Hot, Humid Weather Could Push Maine Heat Index Over 100

Maine is heading into an extremely hot and humid stretch starting Wednesday, with parts of the state potentially reaching heat wave status for the first time since 2022.

According to WGME, an Extreme Heat Warning has been issued for a large portion of southern Maine, while a Heat Advisory is also in effect for areas including Portland. The combination of temperatures in the 80s and 90s with high humidity could make it feel like more than 100 degrees, even in the shade.

Coastal communities will likely see highs in the 70s and 80s, with a light southerly wind around 5 to 10 miles per hour possibly keeping Portland from reaching 90 degrees. Farther inland, temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s under partly sunny skies.

A passing shower or thunderstorm cannot be ruled out Wednesday morning, and another round could develop later in the day. Not everyone will see rain or storms, but the chance will be there, CBS 13 said.

Poor air quality is also expected for sensitive groups on Wednesday, leading to an Air Quality Alert. The sky may look a bit hazy or milky at times due to Canadian wildfire smoke moving through the region.

The news station went on to explain that the hottest stretch is expected to continue through Saturday, July 4, with highs in the 90s across much of Maine. A heat wave is defined as at least three consecutive days with temperatures of 90 degrees or hotter, and some inland areas could meet that mark.

Humidity will be especially high Wednesday and Thursday, with dew points running at very uncomfortable levels. When that moisture combines with the heat, feels-like temperatures could climb above 100 degrees, especially Thursday afternoon.

There is also the potential for a line of strong to severe thunderstorms to move through the western Maine mountains and northern Maine by around dinnertime Thursday.

Fortunately, they say humidity levels should slowly start to drop Friday and Saturday, though temperatures will remain hot, generally in the low-to-mid 90s. Another round of thunderstorms may be possible Saturday, but details will become clearer as the forecast gets closer.

Some relief from the humidity is expected by Sunday, with temperatures settling back into the 80s by the end of the weekend.