Maine Climate News, September 10

Summer 2026 Becomes Portland’s Second Hottest on Record

This summer, the average temperature in Portland from June through August was 69°F. This makes summer 2026 the second hottest on record for the city, just missing the 70.5°F record set in 2020.

In the last 6 years, the 5 hottest summers were recorded in Portland, a trend we’ll continue to see as climate change affects our state.

The highest temperature reached was 96°F on July 7. There were 6 days that hit 90°F or higher. Additionally, rainfall only measured 8.65 inches this summer, 2.5 inches below average.

Sources: Maine Public and WGME

Harmful Algae Bloom in Casco Bay

A phytoplankton bloom, more commonly known as an algae bloom, has been spotted in Casco Bay. While not harmful to humans, algae blooms are dangerous to marine life.

This isn’t the first algae bloom that has appeared in Casco Bay. In 2017, a bloom led to low oxygen levels, killing lobsters and shellfish. During that bloom, phytoplankton cell counts reached 44 million per liter of sea water.

Counts for this latest algae bloom measure 2 million cells per liter. The Maine Department of Marine Resources will continue to monitor the situation and conduct water tests.

Source: Portland Press Herald

Maine Apple Harvest Promising After Last Year’s Poor Growing Season

This year’s warm spring weather has greatly benefited Maine’s apple crop following a disappointing harvest in 2025. Last year, prolonged cool and damp conditions meant less pollinators, and without pollination, many blossoms never turned into apples.

In a normal year, Maine produces up to 1 million bushels of apples; however, last year, that number dropped down to 600,000 bushels, according to Sam Ricker, president of the Maine Pomological Society.

Source: Lewiston Sun Journal

Maine Bans Lead Painted Fishing Lures to Protect Loons

A statewide ban on lead painted fishing lures weighing 1 ounce or less, or measuring 2.5 inches or less, was put into effect on September 1. Unpainted lead lures of this size are already illegal to sell or use.

In 2024, the sale of painted lead lures was banned, but the restriction has now been expanded to prohibit their use on inland waters altogether. Coastal waters are exempt from this ban.

Ingestion of lead fishing equipment is a leading cause of death in loons, and protective measures are essential in conserving this iconic species.

Source: Maine Audubon