What you need to know about Maine’s heat warnings

With temperatures reaching the high 90s and heat indexes rising to over 100 degrees, large swaths of Maine are under an excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.

The heat warning is in effect for the greater Bangor area through 8 p.m. this evening, and spans central and southern Penobscot County and southern Piscataquis County.

Looking south, the heat warning has been issued for southern Oxford County, southern Franklin County, southern Somerset County, and interior York County.

The potential for heat-related illnesses will be high today, and any opportunities to avoid strenuous, outdoors activity are recommended. Maine emergency rooms see the number of people seeking treatment for heat-related illnesses increase when temperatures are above 80 degrees, according to the Maine Department of Human Health and Services.

Dew points remain high on Wednesday, with the Bangor area experiencing around 83 percent air humidity today.

Looking Down East, humid air over the ocean will likely usher in thunderstorms on Wednesday evening into Thursday. Unsettled weather will persist over the easternmost part of the Gulf of Maine throughout Wednesday and Thursday.

Ozone layers are also rising today, with coastal Maine through Hancock County experiencing significantly high levels of ozone that will likely affect people with health conditions like heart problems or difficulty breathing, according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection . Elevated levels of particle pollution will spread across the entire state Wednesday, although statewide levels should not rise to the point of a public health risk.

Coastal Maine will be the place to be throughout the middle of the week, with temperatures slightly cooler than inland, although highs will still be in the high 80s. A slight southwest wind could bring some relief.

According to the NWS, the heat wave is expected to be the most significant heat wave event since 2020 , when numerous heat records were broken and very little rain fell.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Bangor was a high of 102 degrees, which was recorded on Aug. 2, 1975. It stands to be seen whether temperatures on Wednesday or Thursday will break that record.

Extreme heat combined with high humidity can increase the risk for heat illnesses, including heat stroke. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids , stay in an air-conditioned room or an area with moving air and to stay out of the sun when possible.

If you do not have an air conditioner or heat pump, these suggestions can help you stay cool during the day. You can also visit one of the state’s cooling centers , which are open to the public. Some cooling centers will offer rides, as and allow people to bring pets that are in crates.

Going for a swim can help you cool down, but ocean temperatures are around 55 degrees at this time of year and could induce hypothermia. You can contract hypothermia easily when swimming in water under 64 degrees.

While many public pools aren’t open yet, there’s plenty of great natural swimming spots in the greater Bangor area.

You’ll also want to think about your pets during the heat wave. Animals aren’t able to cool themselves through sweating the way that humans can, and when air temperatures and dew points are high, it is even more difficult for both you and your pets to stay cool. Here’s a few tips on how to help your furry friends through the rest of the week.

While you’re thinking about your animals, it’s important to think about your plants whether you have a hobby garden or a full-blown homestead. These are just a few things you can do to prevent your tomato plants from withering away