{"url_path":"/weather/alerts/2.49.0.1.840.0.b570072b812191f9985abd73db8d56a2b8a0345b.002.1","section_key":"alert","section_title":"Air Quality Alert issued May 18 at 3:50PM EDT by NWS Gray ME","topic":"weather","document":{"doc_type":"alert","doc_date":"2026-05-18","source_url":"https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn%3Aoid%3A2.49.0.1.840.0.b570072b812191f9985abd73db8d56a2b8a0345b.002.1","accession_number":null,"cik":null,"ticker":null,"issuer_name":null,"edgar_url":null,"primary_entity_key":null,"primary_entity_name":"NWS Gray ME"},"word_count":226,"has_tables":false,"body_markdown":"# Air Quality Alert: Air Quality Alert issued May 18 at 3:50PM EDT by NWS Gray ME\n\n**Severity:** Unknown\n**Certainty:** Unknown\n**Urgency:** Unknown\n**Areas:** Coastal York; Coastal Cumberland; Sagadahoc; Lincoln; Knox; Coastal Waldo\n**Issued by:** NWS Gray ME\n**Sent:** 2026-05-18T15:50:00-04:00\n**Effective:** 2026-05-18T15:50:00-04:00\n**Expires:** 2026-05-19T22:00:00-04:00\n\n## Description\nThe Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air\nQuality has issued an Air Quality Alert for ozone from 10 AM to\n10 PM EDT Tuesday.\n\nOzone levels along the Southwest Coast and Mid-Coast are expected to\nrise into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range.\n\nThe Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that\nindividuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to\nreduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be\nespecially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants\ninclude the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing\nrespiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and\nanyone who is working hard outdoors. It is okay to be active\noutdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of\nbreath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in\nyour chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of\nyour outdoor activities.\n\nA toll free air quality hotline has been established so Maine\nresidents can stay informed on the air quality situations. The toll\nfree number is: 1-800-223-1196.\n\nAdditionally the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has\nthe air quality forecast available on the web at\nwww.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast."}