State of Maine
Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management
Maine Emergency Management Agency
CONTACT: Vanessa Sperrey
CELL PHONE: (207) 592-6201
EMAIL: vanessa.sperrey@maine.gov
AUGUSTA, MAINE — Maine is expected to experience dangerous heat and humidity today and tomorrow. The National Weather Service offices in Gray and Caribou report temperatures around 90 degrees today with heat indices over 100 in southern Maine, rising to over 95 with heat indices above 105 across southern and central areas tomorrow. A Heat Advisory is in effect today for parts of southern Maine and New Hampshire, with an Extreme Heat Watch issued for a broader area Tuesday.
“Everyone needs to have a plan for keeping cool,” said MEMA Director Pete Rogers. “Limit outdoor activities and take breaks. If you are outside, seek shade or shelter whenever possible and stay hydrated.”
Even though we do not get many days of extreme heat in Maine, heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) recommends the following tips to protect yourself, loved ones, and neighbors during periods of high heat:
- Keep cool inside: Use air conditioning in your home, or go to an air-conditioned public place like a store, public library, restaurant, or cooling center. If you can’t access air conditioning, take frequent cool showers or baths. Cool your home by closing windows and shades during the day and opening them back up at night.
- Keep cool outside: If you have to be outdoors, stay out of the sun as much as possible (or shift your activities to the early morning or evening, as long as the air quality is good), take frequent breaks from activity, and wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Stay hydrated: Drink more fluids than usual, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks if possible. Check with your doctor first if you take water pills or diuretics.
- Know the symptoms: Monitor yourself and those around you. Seek medical care if anyone experiences symptoms like muscle cramps, very heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, confusion, weakness, or nausea.
- Recognize your risk: Check the U.S. CDC HeatRisk page to see the heat forecast for your area, and learn what to do if you or someone you care for is more at risk from extreme heat.
- Check on your family, neighbors, and friends: Be sure to check in on those around you who live alone, who don’t have air conditioning, or who might otherwise need assistance.
Cooling Centers may open in communities around the state at the discretion of local authorities. These facilities are operated at the local level and should report their location and hours of operation to their County Emergency Management Agency. Please visit MEMA’s website to find a Cooling Center near you: https://www.maine.gov/mema/response-recovery/mass-care. You may also dial 211 (or 1-866-811-5695) or text your zip code to 898-211 for a list of Cooling Center locations, or contact your local town office, fire, or police department.
For more information about extreme heat safety and preparedness tips, visit MEMA’s website or find us on Facebook, X, and Nextdoor.