Excessive Heat — Interior Cumberland Highlands, Maine

2024-06-19 to 2024-06-20 · Interior Cumberland Highlands, Maine

Event narrative

An early season heat wave impacted Maine from June 17th through the 20th with the peak of the heat occurring June 19th-20th when excessive heat was observed through southern and central parts of the state away from the immediate coast. Heat index values reached above 105F across southwestern Maine, with the Portland ASOS reaching a heat index of 104F and numerous sites reaching around 108F further inland. Maine CDC data showed a spike in hospital visits across the state with heat related hospital visits well above the 95th percentile. It was the 2nd highest hospital visit rate for heat since the July heat wave of 2018.

Wider weather episode

A multi-day heatwave brought excessive heat to Maine with temperatures and high humidity bringing heat index values above 95 degrees. The heat began on June 17th before peaking in intensity on June 19th and 20th with heat index values above 100F. This was one of the earliest heat waves on record with July like heat and humidity being experienced in June. Impacts: CDC data indicated a spike in hospitals visits for heat related illnesses.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1193080. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.