Maine Gardeners Prepare for Productive August Amid Drought Concerns
Early August marks a critical planting window for Maine gardeners, with six to eight weeks remaining before the first frost in areas like Bangor, where frost typically arrives in late September to early October. Despite recent rainstorms, parts of southern and central coastal Maine remain abnormally dry (D0), with moderate drought (D1) affecting southern New England, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The U.S. Drought Monitor as of July 21, 2026, highlights these conditions. Maine's July weather included a heat wave early in the month, followed by cooler temperatures and scattered showers, which helped maintain soil moisture in some areas. The August outlook leans toward above-normal temperatures, with equal chances for above or below-normal precipitation. El Niño conditions are expected to strengthen, potentially leading to more weather extremes later in the year. 
