Maine’s coast is being pounded by dangerous surf as Hurricane Erin churns far offshore in the Atlantic, sending long-period swells toward Downeast beaches. The National Weather Service office in Caribou has issued a High Surf Advisory through 8 p.m. Saturday, warning of waves peaking between 7 and 10 feet. The rough surf will be most pronounced along exposed beaches from Jonesport to Cutler and Bar Harbor, where minor roadway splashing during high tide could occur. Forecasters are strongly urging residents and visitors to remain well back from rocks, seawalls, and jetties, where sneaker waves can catch even experienced observers off guard.
While the coast contends with pounding surf, inland Maine is enjoying a stretch of cool and comfortable weather. Overnight lows will dip into the 50s, with partly cloudy skies across the north and clearer skies from Bangor southward into central Maine. Valley areas from Dover-Foxcroft to Calais could see patchy fog, potentially reducing visibility for early morning drivers. As a warm front lifts into the state Saturday, brief showers may brush northern Aroostook County, but most communities will stay dry.
Daytime highs will remain mild through the weekend, generally in the mid-70s inland and near 80 degrees in Bangor and Dover-Foxcroft by Sunday. A reinforcing push of cooler air Saturday night will keep mornings crisp, while breezy conditions develop across the state. This setup favors continued dry weather into early next week, with only minimal shower chances confined to far northern Maine.
The High Surf Advisory may be extended into Sunday if Hurricane Erin’s swell lingers, but for now, forecasters expect wave heights to gradually subside by the start of the new week. Inland, conditions will stay largely settled, with dry, sunny afternoons and cool mornings persisting through midweek.
Five Day Forecast for Portland, Maine:
Saturday will start with patchy fog before turning mostly sunny, with a low of 56 and a high near 74 as high surf continues along the coast. Sunday brings partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers across the north, lows around 60, and highs near 77. Monday will be dry with intervals of sunshine, lows around 61 and highs near 75. Tuesday looks mostly clear and breezy, with a low of 59 and a high of 74. Wednesday continues the dry, cool trend with a low of 57 and a high of 73.
This pattern marks a stretch of tranquil late-August weather for much of Maine, with the only significant concern being hazardous surf along the coastline tied to Erin’s distant but powerful presence in the Atlantic.
