The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for western and northern Maine, as storms could be capable of producing gusty winds and torrential rain in those areas. The severe thunderstorm watch will be in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday for Oxford, Franklin, Somerset, Piscataquis and Aroostook counties.

Physiologically, exposure to cold water can cause rapid loss of muscle coordination, uncontrollable gasping, and a swift reduction in core body temperature. These effects leave both adults and children highly vulnerable: even experienced swimmers can quickly be incapacitated.

Dozens of businesses across the Blue Hill Peninsula and the central Maine coast are teaming up with the nonprofit Finding Our Voices to raise money and awareness

The threat for severe weather has increased for today, mainly due to the sunshine that we’ve seen for most of the morning into the afternoon hours. Showers and storms at the time of this writing are firing up over western locations,

According to the National Weather Service, flooding in the Binghamton area is possible on July 14 due to thunderstorms causing excess rainfall.

Dangerously cold water could incapacitate a person within minutes of exposure, which heightens the risk of drowning.

The National Weather Service is temporarily suspending some weather balloon launches from its Gray, Maine, office due to staffing shortages.

The state is unlikely to witness the same devastation but climate change is driving heavier rainfall and localized flooding.