What should you know about Augusta's weather?
- NWS office
- Gray/Portland (GYX)
- Climate
- Warm-summer humid continental
- Time zone
- EST/EDT
- Elevation
- 123 ft
- Coordinates
- 44.31° N, 69.78° W
- Nearest radar
- KGYX · Portland,ME NEXRAD · 37 mi
- County
- Kennebec County, ME
- Yearly rain
- 41.8 in
- Warmest month
- July · 70.1°F average
- Coldest month
- January · 20.4°F average
- Severe storm peak
- Jun to Aug
How much rain does Augusta get each month?
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 28.8 | 31.9 | 40.6 | 53.5 | 65.8 | 74.4 | 79.9 | 78.9 | 70.9 | 57.9 | 45.7 | 34.7 |
| Low °F | 12.1 | 14.4 | 23.4 | 34.2 | 44.7 | 54.1 | 60.3 | 58.8 | 51.0 | 40.4 | 30.3 | 19.8 |
| Rain (in) | 2.62 | 2.32 | 3.21 | 3.82 | 3.27 | 4.01 | 3.20 | 3.41 | 3.90 | 4.69 | 3.95 | 3.44 |
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28.8 | 12.1 | 2.62 |
| Feb | 31.9 | 14.4 | 2.32 |
| Mar | 40.6 | 23.4 | 3.21 |
| Apr | 53.5 | 34.2 | 3.82 |
| May | 65.8 | 44.7 | 3.27 |
| Jun | 74.4 | 54.1 | 4.01 |
| Jul | 79.9 | 60.3 | 3.20 |
| Aug | 78.9 | 58.8 | 3.41 |
| Sep | 70.9 | 51.0 | 3.90 |
| Oct | 57.9 | 40.4 | 4.69 |
| Nov | 45.7 | 30.3 | 3.95 |
| Dec | 34.7 | 19.8 | 3.44 |
AUGUSTA STATE AP, ME US · 1 mi away · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020
Can the Augusta ME weather radar show freezing rain?
No, it shows where precipitation is falling but not whether it freezes on contact. Ice storms are a real risk here: in January 1998, Kennebec County was part of a federal disaster declaration for severe ice storms, rains and high winds. FEMA lists the incident period as January 5 to January 25, 1998. When the loop shows steady rain and the hourly forecast stays near or below freezing, expect ice on trees, power lines and roads.
How high did the Kennebec River rise in the April 1987 flood?
It crested at 34.1 feet at Augusta on April 2, 1987. Rain fell from the evening of March 30 to April 2, with over 8 inches in the foothills and mountains of Maine. It landed on a ripe snowpack that held 6 to 10 inches of water, and high dew points and wind melted that snow fast. The National Weather Service flood impact statement for the Augusta gauge says a crest near 34 feet, comparable to April 1987, severely floods properties along Front Street and sends water up to Calumet Bridge.
Has the Kennebec flooded Augusta at other times?
Yes, the river reached 30.7 feet at Augusta on March 20, 1936 and crested at 26.92 feet on December 19, 2023. In 1936 the Kennebec and Androscoggin still had thick ice cover, and as the ice lifted and moved downstream it damaged or destroyed bridges. The National Weather Service says a flood comparable to December 2023 severely affects transportation and utilities. Minor flooding at the Augusta gauge begins at 12 feet, and at 32 feet properties around Bond Brook in downtown Augusta flood severely.
Does Augusta get nor'easters?
Yes, and these storms typically reach their peak strength near New England. Nor'easters generally form between Georgia and New Jersey, within 100 miles east or west of the coast, then track northeast. They nearly always bring heavy rain or snow along with gale-force winds. The Storm Events database lists 103 heavy snow reports and 38 winter storm reports for Kennebec County from 1996 to 2025.
When should you check the Augusta radar?
Nor'easter season
September to AprilThe loop shows where bands of snow, sleet or rain are heading, so check it before driving I-95 or I-295.
Thunderstorm season
June to AugustAbout 91% of Kennebec County's 1996 to 2025 severe reports fall in these months. Storms can build fast on summer afternoons, so check the loop before an outing at Capitol Park.
What else do people ask about the Augusta radar?
Which NWS office and radar cover Augusta?
NWS Gray/Portland (GYX) issues forecasts and warnings for Augusta. The nearest NEXRAD radar is KGYX, about 37 miles from the city center.
How often does the radar on this page update?
The radar loop on this page updates every 5 minutes.
Is this page an official warning service?
No. It shows radar and forecasts only. For warnings, follow NWS Gray/Portland and local emergency alerts.
Quick facts
- Radar: KGYX (Portland,ME NEXRAD), a new frame every 5 minutes
- Forecasts and warnings: NWS Gray/Portland (GYX)
- Severe storms peak from June to August (NOAA Storm Events, 1996 to 2025)
- Local time: EST/EDT
- Radar: KGYX, a new frame every 5 minutes
- Warnings: NWS Gray/Portland (GYX)
- Severe storms: June to August
- Local time: EST/EDT
Where does this data come from?
- NOAA NEXRAD radar via Iowa Environmental Mesonet
- National Weather Service, Gray/Portland office
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991 to 2020: AUGUSTA STATE AP, ME US
- NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996 to 2025
- USGS Elevation Point Query Service
- GOES-East satellite imagery
- Open-Meteo forecast API
- OpenStreetMap contributors
- NOAA National Water Prediction Service: Kennebec River at Augusta
- National Weather Service: Flooding in Maine
- FEMA: Maine severe ice storms, rains and high winds (DR-1198)
- National Weather Service: Nor'easters