Uncommon Weather Setup Could Bring Dangerous Storms to Maine Overnight

Maine is facing an unusual round of severe weather Tuesday evening and into the overnight hours, with damaging winds, large hail, flooding and even an isolated tornado all possible.

According to WGME, Tuesday will begin hot, hazy and humid ahead of a powerful cold front approaching from the west. Temperatures across much of southern and western Maine are expected to climb into the 90s, with heat index values reaching the upper 90s and possibly the low 100s in some areas.

Heat advisories are in effect from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. for much of southern and western Maine.

The greatest risk for widespread severe thunderstorms will initially be across the mountains and northern New Hampshire, where storms are expected to develop between roughly 4 and 7 p.m, the news station reported.

Those storms will then move south and east toward more populated areas and the coastline through the evening and potentially continue until around midnight.

Damaging wind gusts will be the primary concern, but any stronger storm could also produce large hail, torrential rain, flash flooding and an isolated tornado.

WGME went on to explain that the timing of the threat is somewhat unusual for Maine, as some of the strongest storms could arrive after sunset. That makes it especially important for people to have a reliable way to receive weather warnings overnight.

Campers and anyone spending time outdoors should be prepared to quickly move into a sturdy building if severe weather develops. Tents, campers and vehicles may not provide adequate protection during damaging winds or a tornado.

Wildfire smoke will also remain present Tuesday and Wednesday, creating a hazy or milky appearance in the sky and potentially enhancing sunrise and sunset colors.

Much cooler and less humid air will move into Maine Wednesday behind the cold front.

Another storm system may pass south of Maine across southern New England this weekend, though its exact track remains uncertain.