#Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Climate Summary – August 2025

"Globally, August 2025 is the third hottest on record with the hottest and second-hottest Augusts occurring in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In Maine, August temperatures ranged from normal to slightly above average, with an overall average temperature of 64.8°F – roughly 1.8°F warmer than normal historical temperatures. Mid-August brought record-breaking high temperatures in Caribou at 94°F, and Millinocket at 95°F, with a heat wave that carried through much of the state. Temperatures are expected to return to normal through September and are likely be above average from October through January (National Weather Service).

Total rainfall statewide was below normal in August with an average total of only 1.93 inches, which is approximately 1.58 inches less than historic averages for the state in August. As the pattern of reduced rainfall this summer continues into September, we are continuing to see consistent #drought conditions for much of the state. At the end of August, an estimated 86% of Maine was experiencing some level of drought, and approximately 53% of those areas affected were under severe drought conditions. With a continued rainfall deficit, drought in the southern two-thirds of Maine will persist into September, but may decline over the coming months as rain totals are expected to be close to normal in October and November (National Weather Service). Soil moisture is forecasted to be below 70% percentile for much of the state through October (U.S. Drought Monitor).

Severe drought conditions may lead to yellowing foliage, premature leaf drop, dry soil, low water levels in streams, reservoirs, and wells, and, at times, can lead to increased fire danger. Maine Forest Service (#MFS) Rangers continue to recommend checking the daily Wildfire Danger Report and consult with local fire officials before conducting any open burning."

Source: Emailed newsletter

#ClimateChange #ClimateDiary #ExtremeHeat #RecordBreaking #ExtremeDrought #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiaryMaine #MDACF

#ClimateChange - the gift that keeps on stinging!

Spike in #jellyfish sightings prompts coastal safety warnings across #Maine

#SouthernMaine communities advise beachgoers to stay alert with increased jellyfish sightings.

Published: 3:29 PM EDT June 24, 2025
Updated: 8:49 PM EDT June 24, 2025

MAINE, USA — "Coastal communities in southern Maine are warning beachgoers to stay alert after a rise in jellyfish sightings, including the presence of large #LionsManeJellyfish and #MoonJellies along the shoreline.

"Municipal officials and public safety departments have issued safety advisories in recent days for swimmers, families, and pet owners visiting local beaches.

" 'Today, you may notice our lifeguards flying a purple flag alongside the green flag,' the #OgunquitME Fire Department said in a social media post. 'This indicates the presence of marine life hazards—specifically an increase in lion’s mane and moon jellyfish in our local waters, as well as at other beaches along the Maine coast.'

"While most jellyfish encounters are not harmful, officials said there have been 'a few instances of jellyfish stings locally.' Lion’s mane jellyfish, in particular, can deliver painful stings that remain potent even after the jellyfish wash ashore.

"In #EliotME, police issued a warning after recent sightings near Dead Duck at the Eliot Boat Basin. The department urged caution, especially for families with dogs.

" 'Dogs are especially at risk,' the Eliot Police Department said. 'Curious sniffing or contact can lead to serious injury or illness.'

"Officials recommend keeping pets and young children away from the water’s edge if jellyfish are visible. In addition to avoiding contact, beachgoers are encouraged to report sightings to lifeguards.

"At #WillardBeach in #SouthPortlandME, a nearly five-foot-wide lion’s mane jellyfish was spotted over the weekend, according to the city’s parks and recreation department. Lifeguards have been trained to safely remove jellyfish that wash ashore using tools like shovels.

" 'If you see one, don’t touch it,' the city advised in a public post. 'They sting. Observe it—they’re interesting to watch and pretty too.'

"Those interested in helping marine researchers track #JellyfishSightings can report #observations through regional #CitizenScience platforms or agencies like the #GulfOfMaineResearchInstitute or #BigelowLaboratory for Ocean Sciences.

"In the meantime, officials are reminding visitors to enjoy Maine’s beaches safely and stay informed."

Source:
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/spike-in-jellyfish-sightings-prompts-coastal-safety-warnings-across-southern-maine-beach-summer/97-b79da2cb-bfc0-49ed-8dcf-712d208c384e

#GlobalWarming #WarmingOceans #ClimateDiary #MaineClimateDiary #MarineLife #ChangingOceans #OceansAreLife #OceanTemperatures

#Maine #CoolingCenters: Find a spot near you

As temperatures rise, communities across Maine open cooling centers to keep residents safe from the elements.
Author: NEWS CENTER Maine Staff
Published: 12:49 PM EDT June 22, 2025
Updated: 3:22 PM EDT June 23, 2025

AUGUSTA, Maine — "Summer has arrived in Maine, bringing rising temperatures and longer days. But when the heat becomes dangerous or oppressive, community cooling centers help support those who need an escape from the heat and humidity.

"The centers are often located in public spaces, such as recreation centers or libraries. They typically open for short-term purposes.

"While the primary purpose is to save lives by getting people out of potentially dangerous heat conditions, cooling centers may also provide charging stations, showers, or food.

"The latest listings for cooling centers are on the Maine Emergency Management Agency's [#MEMA] website. We've included a roundup here as well as additional resources to help you stay safe this summer when temperatures rise.

Androscoggin County

#AuburnME

Community Resource Center
121 Mill St.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or later) Tuesday, June 24
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25

Auburn

Auburn Senior Community Center
48 Pettengill Park Road
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

Auburn

Hasty Gymnasium at Auburn Recreation
48 Pettengill Park Road
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June

Auburn

Auburn Public Library
49 Spring St.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25

#DurhamME

Durham Eureka Community Center
606 Hallowell Road
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#LisbonME

Lisbon Police Department
300 Lisbon St.
Open as needed 24/7

#PolandME

A.B. Ricker Memorial Library
1211 Maine St.
9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, June 25-26
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27

#TurnerME

Turner Fire & Rescue
19 General Turner Hill Road
Available as needed

Aroostook County

#CaribouME

Caribou Wellness Center
55 Bennett Drive
6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Cumberland County

#BridgtonME

Bridgton Community Center
15 Depot St.
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#GorhamME

Baxter Library
71 South St.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 23
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#PortlandME

#PortlandPublicLibrary
5 Monument Square
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#ScarboroughME

#ScarboroughPublicLibrary
48 Gorham Road
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

Kennebec County

#AugustaME

Augusta Civic Center, Cumberland Room
76 Community Drive
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#WatervilleME

Waterville City Hall Annex
46 Front St.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

Knox County

#RocklandME

#RocklandPublicLibrary
Rockland City Hall
Flanagan Community Center
Open during "normal business hours"

#SouthThomaston

Public Library (former Gilford Butler School)
54 Spruce Head Road
Noon to 4 p.m. Monday, June 23
Noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25

#UnionME

Union Town Office
567 Common Road
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

Lincoln County

#BoothbayHarborME

Boothbay Harbor Town Office
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
8:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 25

#DamariscottaME

Central Lincoln County YMCA
575 Maine St.
5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 23-27

#NewcastleME

Newcastle Fire Station Community Room
86 River Road
Closes at 7 p.m. Monday, June 23

Oxford County

#CantonME

Town of Canton Meeting Room
94 Turner Street
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday
8 a.m. to noon Tuesday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday
8 a.m. to noon Friday

Piscataquis County

#DoverFoxcroftME

Dover-Foxcroft Town Office, Community Room
48 Norton Avenue
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

Sagadahoc County

#TopshamME

Topsham Municipal Building, Russel Room
100 Main St.
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

York County

#AlfredME

Parsonsfield Town Office
634 North Road
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, June 24-25

#BerwickME

Berwick Fire Department
3 Public Safety Way
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#BiddefordME

#McArthurLibrary
270 Main St.
9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#BuxtonME

Buxton Town Office
185 Portland Road
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#KennebunkME

Kennebunk Free Library
112 Main St.
9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#KennebunkportME

Church on the Cape
3 Langsford Road
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

Kennebunkport

Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library
18 Maine St.
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#LebanonME

North Lebanon Second Baptist Church
259 Bakers Grant Road
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 24

#LimingtonME

Limington Municipal Complex
425 Sokokis Ave.
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24

#NorthBerwickME

D.A. Hurd Library
51 High St.
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 23
1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 25

#SacoME

Saco Community Center
75 Franklin St.
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#WaterboroME

Waterboro Town Hall
24 Townhouse Road
Noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24

Waterboro

#WaterboroPublicLibrary
187 Main St.
Noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, June 23-24

#YorkME

York Public Library
15 Long Sands Road
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, June 23-25

#HomelessShelters

"State and local resources are available for people who are experiencing homelessness or are in need of housing or heating support. Link below for more information.

"For direct assistance to find resources available near you, dial 211 or call 1-877-463-6207; text your ZIP code to 898-211; or email [email protected].
What are the risks?

"According to the Maine Emergency Management Agency, heat-related illnesses in the state more often occur when temperatures reach the mid-80s or higher.

“Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person's body temperature rises faster "

Source:
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/cooling-centers-heat-stroke-exhaustion-mema-emergency-short-term-shelter/97-d2ddaac2-bbea-4dc8-833f-c78e7dc788f4

MEMA list of Cooling Centers:
https://www.maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/mass-care

Emergency shelters for the #Unhoused:
https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homeless/emergency-shelters

#MEWx #ExtremeHeat #MaineWx #ClimateChange #GlobalHeating #Heatwave #Heatwaves #StayingCool #MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiary
#Heatwave #Heatwaves #Maine #CoolingCenters #StayCool #CommunityResources

Today on the Maine coast (Monday, June 23rd), there is a seabreeze, so Portland is 10 degrees cooler (72°F , 22.2°C ) than it is inland (83°F , 28.3°C ). However tomorrow (June 24th), there won't be a seabreeze, and Portland is predicted to hit a high of 98°F (36.7°C )! The same as it is inland. No relief at the beach!

Also, the #PortlandPublicLibrary's downtown location (Monument Square) has just been declared an official "cooling center" (there may be others in different locations -- I'll see what I can find).

#MaineClimateDiary #ClimateDiary #Heatwave #Heatwaves #ClimateChange #Maine #CoolingCenters #StayCool

Outside temperature is 81°F (27°C) and humid (77%). Indoor temp is 75°F (23.8°C) and not humid. In the living room, I have a small dehumidifier going and a medium-sized, tilted fan on medium. We'll see how well the setup holds when it hits 100°F on Tuesday (the high today was 86°F).

#ClimateDiary #StayingCool #Maine #MaineClimateDiary #Heatwave #ClimateChange

YIKES! The forecast for next Tuesday in Southern #Maine just got hotter... It's predicted to be 101°F (38.3°C)-- breaking the record of 93°F (33.9°C) for that date! I'm hoping it doesn't get that hot inland. The coast is predicted to be a little bit cooler, but close to breaking the all-time record!

#ClimateDiary #MaineWx #MaineClimateDiary #ExtremeHeat #GlobalHeating #Yuck!

I went outside to bring some rain-soaked container plants indoors. Instead of the scent of ozone that one usually smells after a thunderstorm, the air smelled like a campfire that had been doused by fire. Not good.

#MaineWx #ClimateChange #ClimateDiary #WildfireSmoke #Rainstorm #MaineClimateDiary

66 degrees F on 6/6/2025. I remember early summers that cool when I was a child. Very much welcome after 92 degrees. I have a feeling we might not have cool early summers anymore.

#ClimateDiaryMaine #Maine #MaineClimateDiary #NewEnglandWx #MaineWx