A soaking rain is in the forecast for much of Maine, beginning Thursday night.

The National Weather Service in Caribou is calling for a drenching rain for much of Maine. Rain is expected to move into the state Thursday night, into Friday evening. Forecasters expect nearly two and-a-half inches of rainfall for the Bangor area. The Greenville area may see three inches of rainfall, with the Downeast areas expecting around two inches of rain.

Forecasters say the rain will be locally heavy at times.

The rain will help a small coastal section of the state that's experiencing moderate drought conditions. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the Midcoast area of Maine is seeing moderate drought conditions, with abnormally dry conditions further inland.

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Cruise this Aroostook County Scenic Byway for Endless Foliage Views

One of Maine's northernmost scenic byways is a perfect foliage cruise this fall. The Fish River Scenic Byway follow's a 38 mile stretch of Route 11 in northern Aroostook county. The byway begins in Portage Lake and winds it's way through the densely forested lands to Fort Kent. Along the way you'll see vast valleys of wildflowers, views of scenic Eagle Lake, and one huge hill that offers views of Mt. Katahdin. The trip ends, America's first mile.

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