Mainers may have noticed a thick haze the past couple of days. Forecasters say it's wildfire smoke.

The National Weather Service says the smoky conditions throughout Maine will begin to dissipate Wednesday afternoon. Smoke from wildfires burning out west and in Canada has been visible most of the week. The smoke and humidity have prompted Air Quality Warnings for much of the state.

Thunderstorms Wednesday will help to dissipate the smoke through the afternoon hours. Some thunderstorms may be on the strong side. Primary concerns from the storms are heavy rain, gusty winds, and small hail. Storms are expected to move out of the Bangor and Downeast areas throughout the afternoon into the evening.

Rain from the scattered storms is certainly welcome throughout Maine. According to the most recent Drought Monitor Report, much of Maine is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. The worst of the dry conditions are concentrated in an area of far western Maine, where Severe Drought conditions are being observed.

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