— The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued an extended air quality alert for northern regions of the state. Forecasts indicate that pollution levels will reach levels considered 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' (USG). This alert, now in effect until Wednesday, July 16, 2025
This morning, a dense portion of the smoke plume moved into northern Maine. This plume is expected to linger into Wednesday, with less dense smoke impacting the remainder of the state. Thus, Particle Pollution levels are expected to be in the USG range for the northern region and Moderate for the remainder of the state. Also on Wednesday, Ozone is expected to be Moderate for the entire coast, Good for inland regions and USG for the High Elevations of Acadia National Park.
By Thursday the densest portion of the smoke plume should finally move out of Maine, though Moderate levels of Particle Pollution are still likely for most of the state. Ozone buildup can’t rule out some hours, but storms have the potential to keep ozone levels in the Good range. Thursday’s forecast will be updated Wednesday afternoon.
At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.
Some actions you can take to protect your health during such periods of include:
- Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity
- Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
- Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy
Additional health information may be found on the following websites:
In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:
For more information go to Maine DEP’s air quality web site.
