Regardless of whether or not you believe in global warming, there is no doubt that we are experiencing significant climate change.

Just a few decades ago, Maine had cold, snowy winters.  Unless you were right on the coast, you had to contend with frigid temperatures and snowbanks as tall as a toddler.  In recent years, however, our winters have been very mild, with warm temperatures and little snow (except for the occasional storm).

And the storms we have been getting are not typical snowstorms.  Instead, they bring high winds and lots of rain.

While these storms have caused damage inland, they have wreaked havoc on Maine’s coast.  Places that never used to flood during storms now end up under several inches of water each time there is a storm. If this trend continues, what will Maine’s coast be like in a few decades?

What will Maine’s coastline be like in 2080?

Thanks to modeling done by the team at Climate Central, we can take a look at what Maine’s coastline will be like in the coming decades.

The maps show that notable tourist towns, like Old Orchard Beach and Wells, could end up partially underwater.  In fact, the beaches that are the main attraction for those areas will likely end up underwater.

Climate Central / Google Maps
Climate Central / Google Maps
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Portland's Munjoy Hill could see the addition of new waterfront real estate.

Climate Central / Google Maps
Climate Central / Google Maps
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Many of the well-known tourist destinations in Mid-Coast Maine, like Boothbay Harbor, would end up partially underwater.  The massive Popham Beach would likely become a sandbar only visible when the tide was low.

In Central Maine, the east side of Water Street could end up underwater, like they were during December’s ‘Grinch’ storm.  In Augusta, the river side of Water Street could face the same fate, and the playground on the east side of the Kennebec River could be turned into a natural swimming pool.

Climate Central / Google Maps
Climate Central / Google Maps
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Flooding in the Eastern River could lead to more waterfront property in Pittston.

Unless things change, it looks like the coast of Maine could be in for some unpleasant situations in the coming decades.

It is important to keep in mind that the flooding is based on a rise in sea level, combined with typical seasonal flooding.  The kind of flooding that those along the Kennebec River deal with each spring, for example.

You can play around with the interactive map HERE.

Maine's 10 Busiest Airports

Maine's aviation connection is mostly considered by two entities, the Portland Jetport and the Bangor International Airport.

These two facilities unquestionably handle the bulk of the commercial aviation in state. However, there are a number of smaller airports that also help ship people in and out of Maine.

Here is a look at the 10 busiest airports in Maine.

The information used comes from 2023 FAA Statistics.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

2024 Maine Agricultural Fair & Festival Dates

According to the Maine Fairs website, these are the proposed dates for some of Maine's biggest fairs and festivals. If there is an event that we missed that you believe should be on our list, or if we got something wrong, please let us know by sending an email to Cooper.Fox@townsquaremedia.com

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