Parts of Maine have developed a flash drought due to ongoing dry conditions, according to the National Weather Service.
The ongoing dry weather conditions, along with multiple days with temperatures over 90 degrees, has caused significant and rapidly developing drought conditions across southern and central Maine.
The fire danger across the state remains high, according to the Maine Forest Service.
According to the Caribou NWS office, the northern Maine city experienced four days of extreme heat that was the longest, hottest stretch on record. Caribou saw a high temperature of 91 on Sunday, and high temperatures reached 94 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thursday saw some brief showers move across the state, although the precipitation is not enough to stave off a drought or lower the fire risk any time soon. Some thunderstorms could develop through the evening, but aren’t expected to bring heavy rainfall.
Looking ahead, the soonest opportunity for significant rain so far appears to be Sunday.
But, to completely end the drought, the state would need a good soaking rain that would saturate several layers of soil and reinvigorate flora that has become dry and flammable.
Temperatures will be cooler through the end of the week, with highs in the low 80s across most of the state, and overnight lows in the 50s with low humidity.
To stay safe throughout the drought, try to conserve water, practice fire prevention and stay informed of announcements from local emergency services.
Currently, there are four ongoing large wildfires that the forest service is actively managing. A containment line is being built to contain the 3-acre Hardwood Valley Fire in the Spencer Bay Township area; 4.3 acres in Elliotsville Township are being monitored; a containment line has been constructed around the perimeter of a 30-acre fire in Baileyville; and firefighters anticipate being on the scene of an 8-acre fire in Acton for at least another two days.
Local fires have broken out in a handful of communities across Maine over the past few weeks, with some shutting down roadways and others resulting in property damage. Fire officials say accidental fires are extremely easy to start this time of year, and can be caused simply by an errant spark.
Leading causes of August fires have been due to campfires, openly burning debris and equipment malfunctions. Keeping your equipment well maintained can help prevent unwanted fires.
If you suspect that you see smoke or a fire, call 911 immediately.
