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United States. National Weather Service

Portland's Warmest Summer on Record: Impacts on the City and Its Residents

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Portland experienced its second-warmest summer on record, with an average temperature of 69.2 degrees Fahrenheit in June, July, and August, 2.5 degrees above normal. This follows four out of the last five summers being among the city's warmest on record. The warm weather has had significant impacts on local businesses and residents, particularly those with preexisting conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Weather Service reported an average temperature of 69.2 degrees Fahrenheit in Portland, making it the city's second-warmest summer on record.
  • The warm summer has led to increased heat-related illnesses, with 86 Mainers visiting the emergency room over one week in mid-July for heat-related issues.
  • Local businesses, such as Portland Paddle and Portland EnCYCLEpedia, have seen increased traffic due to the hot weather, but also face new challenges, including heat management and high winds caused by hot weather.
  • Recent summers have been driven by warmer nighttime temperatures, with an increase in temperature-related health risks for residents.
  • Summers in Maine are getting warmer, with an expected 8.9-degree increase in Portland's average summer high by 2100 according to Climate Central data.

Statistics:

  • Average temperature in Portland during June, July, and August: 69.2 degrees Fahrenheit (2.5 degrees above normal)
  • Number of Mainers who visited the emergency room over one week in mid-July for heat-related illnesses: 86
  • Rank of this summer in Maine's overall warmest summers: 2nd ( statewide average temperature of 66.8 degrees, 4.2 degrees above normal)
  • Average temperature in Portland during the hottest summer on record (2020): 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Expected increase in Portland's average summer high by 2100, according to Climate Central data: 8.9 degrees

Sources:

  • National Weather Service
  • National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)
  • Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine)
  • Climate Central
  • State of Maine data
  • Norman Patry, owner of Portland EnCYCLEpedia, and Zack Anchors, owner of Portland Paddle.

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