The Portland Press Herald spoke to two dozen experts this summer about the ways increasing heat is affecting Maine’s natural world.
heat
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local & State, News
What do ever-hotter summers mean for Maine’s economy?
As the state charts increasingly warm and longer summers, businesses across all industries are planning for more weather extremes.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
With nowhere to run, Maine wildlife face heat-related risks
Extreme heat exacerbates the issues wildlife are already facing: drought, habitat loss and the spread of disease.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Sports
What happens to the body under extreme heat? Medical tent at Beach to Beacon offers a glimpse
Summertime in Maine can bring welcome sunshine and warmth. But under certain conditions, hot and humid weather can cause problems for the body: anything from minor muscle cramps and skin rashes to more serious issues like dizziness, vomiting and seizures.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Among Maine workers, growing recognition of heat as a top occupational safety hazard
As summer temperatures increase, more attention is focused on the danger of working in high heat.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Here’s how Maine’s emergency managers are preparing for dangerous heat — now and in the future
Extremely dangerous heat is still unusual in Maine — but emergency officials are already planning for a future where they’re responding to temperature spikes as silent natural disasters.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Cooling centers offer relief from extreme heat. But are Mainers taking shelter?
Even though Maine is a cold weather state, in recent years, hundreds of people have shown up in emergency rooms for heat-related illness. To offer relief, cooling centers are opening at libraries, fire stations and community centers.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Extreme heat hits Maine: Where to go and what to do as temperatures soar
Maine is facing temperatures in the 90s, with the heat index exceeding 100, leading to warnings from experts and the opening of cooling centers Monday and Tuesday.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Nonprofit founder who trained Maine’s first comfort dogs mourns unexpected death
Baxter, a 3-year-old comfort dog for the Maine Bureau of Emergency Communications, died after being left in a state vehicle.
Posted inLocal & State, News
A year of extremes: 2024 was Maine’s hottest on record
The year of extreme weather began with floods and ended with a drought, and set a new record high average annual temperature across the state.