Maine’s Climate Future – 2020 Update

Maine’s Climate Future – 2020 demonstrates the progression of accelerating change in the climate in Maine and its effects, reflecting dramatic evidence for accelerating climate change around the globe with the often dire consequences of those changes.

Nearly every climate-related parameter measured in Maine is accelerating, according to the report. The rate of air and sea warming is increasing. Precipitation is increasing in intensity and volume, and sea level is not only rising, but rising faster than in the previous century.

Key new findings include faster rates of warming along the coast compared to interior and northern Maine, and changes in Maine winters. Average minimum temperatures in Maine are warming 60% faster than average maximums.

The report points to the growing evidence of impacts of these changes on Maine’s farms, fields, forests, marine resources, and aspects of our culture and economy. The report also points to resources and activities that represent opportunities to address the climate challenge, and actions that Mainers are taking to deal with climate-related changes

“This report hopes to connect Maine people with the information they need for decision-making,” says Ivan Fernandez, UMaine professor of soil science and forest resources, and the report’s lead author.

“This 2020 update, while alarming, affirms that Maine people have the will and capacity to thrive in uncertain times,” says Catherine Schmitt, Schoodic Institute science communication specialist and a co-author of the report.

View Full Maine’s Climate Future – 2020 Report Here

Climate Update: Spring 2020



By Dr. Sean Birkel, Maine State Climatologist

The Maine statewide climatological spring (March-May [MAM]) 2020 average temperature was 39.6 °F, or 72nd percentile for the 125-year record period beginning 1895. This temperature is 2.4 °F warmer than that observed for the same period in 2019, and 1.4 °F above the 1901-2000 historical mean. The observed MAM total precipitation was 9.4 inches, or 44th percentile for the record period. This precipitation amount is 2.6 inches less than that observed in 2019, and 0.7 inches above the 1901-2000 historical mean, or near normal. In total for MAM 2020, there were 40 high and 33 low daily temperature, 32 high precipitation, and 42 high snowfall records either broken or tied statewide (data from NOAA Daily Weather Records).

View Full Spring 2020 Update Here

Maine Winter 2020 Climate Summary

By Dr. Sean Birkel, Maine State Climatologist

The Maine statewide winter (December-February [DJF]) 2020 average temperature was 21.2 °F, ranking 6th warmest for the 125-year record period beginning 1895 (Fig. 1). This temperature is 4.3 °F warmer than that observed for the same period in 2019, and 5.6 °F above the 1901–2000 historical mean. The observed DJF total precipitation was 9.7 inches, ranking 53rd wettest since 1895 (Fig. 2). This precipitation amount is 2.2 inches less than that observed in 2019, and 0.1 inches above the 1901-2000 historical mean, or near normal. In total for DJF 2020, there were 29 high and 11 low daily temperature, 35 high precipitation, and 22 high snowfall records either broken or tied statewide (data from NOAA Daily Weather Records).

View Full Winter 2020 Climate Summary Here

Research Highlights: Uncovering the Past Through Maine’s Historic Phenology Data

Phenological observations of annual first flowers, first leaves, and first migratory bird arrivals are a very valuable component of climate change research and historical phenology records provide baselines for learning about the effects of climate change on biota and biological processes. Dr. Caitlin McDonough’s research delves into long-term historical phenology records, such as the Quackenbush journals of northern Maine, to identify the fingerprint of anthropogenic climate change in ecological communities.

View the Full Article



Maine Climate and Agriculture

The purpose of the Maine Climate and Agriculture Network, initiated by faculty at the University of Maine, is to increase communication and coordination among those working on issues related to climate and agriculture. The Maine Climate and Ag Network website provides an initial portal to some of the climate-related activities at the University of Maine, and serves as an invitation to those with an interest in this topic to participate.

View the Farm Response to Changing Weather Fact Sheet