textproduct: Caribou

WHAT HAS CHANGED

-Added smokey conditions today for wildfire smoke continuing to move into the region.

KEY MESSAGES

1) Hot temperatures and elevated humidity again today will lead to increased potential for heat related illnesses.

2) Isolated thunderstorms remain possible this evening through Saturday. A conditional threat for severe storms exists.

DISCUSSION

KEY MESSAGE 1...Hot temperatures and elevated humidity again today will lead to increased potential for heat related illnesses.

KEY MESSAGE 1 DESCRIPTION... Low pressure and a shortwave trough swing out of the region early this morning, as another shortwave and cold front move in for Saturday. Westerly winds continue to reduce any seabreeze effects, so heat will be felt throughout all of the forecast area. Today is going to be hot, with ambient temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s in the north, and mid-90s in the Central Highlands and Downeast regions. Slight improvement is expected in terms of humidity, but still muggy throughout northern and eastern Maine. Minimum relative humidities generally in the 30s to 40s are expected. Heat Advisories continue for Southern Aroostook, Upper Penobscot Valley, and Interior and Coastal Downeast. A cold front begins to pass Saturday into Saturday evening, helping temperatures begin to drop back into the 80s.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires makes its way down into Maine as well, which could act as cloud cover to keep temperatures in the lower-to-mid 90s. Air Quality Alerts are in effect through Sunday for reduced visibility and degraded air quality at times.

KEY MESSAGE 2...Isolated thunderstorms remain possible this evening through Saturday. A conditional threat for severe storms exists.

KEY MESSAGE 2 DESCRIPTION... A cold front moves through the region Friday evening into Saturday which could provide some lift for isolated thunderstorms. Low-level lapse rates, CAPE, and DCAPE are favorable, but require strong forcing to go anywhere. Mid-level lapse rates and shear are mediocre. Thus, only a slight chance for some isolated showers and thunderstorms is forecast late Friday into Saturday.

AVIATION /06Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/

Today...Generally VFR, with some periods of wildfire smoke reducing visibility. Smoke is expected to be relatively patchy, so not anticipating large visibility reduction. Lowest visibilities are possible at Aroostook terminals. Winds from the W today, gusting to 20kts during the afternoon. Potential for some afternoon rain showers and a brief thunderstorm at Aroostook terminals, which could drop conditions to MVFR/IFR.

Tonight-Saturday...Mainly VFR, becoming MVFR in light rain showers for Aroostook terminals. Potential for thunderstorms again in Aroostook Saturday afternoon. W winds tonight into Saturday, becoming NW Saturday evening. Gusts 20-25kts possible Saturday afternoon.

Saturday night to Sunday night: VFR. NW winds 5 to 10 kts with gusts to 15-20 kts Sunday afternoon, otherwise winds will be light.

Monday: VFR. Light winds with a southerly sea breeze developing at coastal terminals in the afternoon.

Monday night to Tuesday: Increasing chance of MVFR or lower conditions in -RA/-SHRA, mainly for KBGR and coastal/Downeast airports. VFR elsewhere. Light and variable winds, becoming south at 5-15 kts Tuesday.

MARINE

Conditions below SCA criteria today into Saturday. Seas generally around 2-4ft. Chance for some patchy fog over waters tonight. W winds today, shifting NW by Saturday afternoon.

Winds and seas below Small Craft Advisory criteria continue Sunday into next week for all waters out to 60NM from the coast. Seas 2 feet or less are expected this weekend into early next week for waters inside 25NM from the coast. Wind gusts will generally be between 5 and 15 kts. Water temperatures remain around 50.

CAR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

ME...Air Quality Alert until midnight EDT Sunday night for MEZ001>006-010-011-015>017-029>032. Heat Advisory until 8 PM EDT this evening for MEZ005-006-011- 015>017-029>032. Beach Hazards Statement from 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening for MEZ029-030. MARINE...None.