Can Maine Expect to be Under a Heat Dome This Week?

Over the last few years, Maine has had to deal with some really unique weather phenomena.

Between the bomb cyclones, the polar vortexes, and the heat domes, it is hard to keep it all straight.

Speaking of heat domes, it looks like we may have to deal with another one later this week.

What is a Heat Dome?

According to the experts at Weather.com, a heat dome is an area of high pressure that compresses the air, trapping heat.  Additionally, you generally do not get a lot of rain under a heat dome.  So, there is no way for things to cool off.

The Weather.com article says, in part:

Descending air compresses and warms as it drops closer to the surface. Temperatures can often reach the century mark in the eastern two-thirds of the United States. In the West, these death ridges can push temperatures into the 110s and 120s in the desert.

Fortunately, here in New England, we generally don't see highs like that, but it is good to note that these domes can linger over an area for days or weeks.

Believe it or not, there is a benefit to having these heat domes.  Apparently, they can help deflect tropical storms away from the United States.

Will New England See a Heat Dome This Week?

For the last few days, a heat dome has created stifling temperatures through much of the plains.  Now, it appears to be moving east.

According to Weather.com, Central Maine will see temperatures in the upper 80s (or lower 90s) Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Following that, it will cool down to normal summer temperatures.

The Portland area will see temperatures in the mid 80s during that same period of time.

As of Wednesday morning, it appears that Boston will see temperatures in the lower 90s on Thursday and Friday.  Saturday, however, will be much cooler.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire will see temperatures in the upper 80s or lower 90s on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

So, even though we are going to see some warmer than normal temperatures over the next few days, it does not look like the temperatures will stick with us for more than a few days.

Clearly, during these warmer days, stay hydrated and keep an eye on our younger and older loved ones.