{"url_path":"/weather/alerts/2.49.0.1.840.0.b84db797f5913ab42eb4c1d055396f708f68f99d.002.1","section_key":"alert","section_title":"Air Quality Alert issued July 2 at 3:38PM EDT by NWS Gray ME","topic":"weather","document":{"doc_type":"alert","doc_date":"2026-07-02","source_url":"https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn%3Aoid%3A2.49.0.1.840.0.b84db797f5913ab42eb4c1d055396f708f68f99d.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":267,"has_tables":false,"body_markdown":"# Air Quality Alert: Air Quality Alert issued July 2 at 3:38PM EDT by NWS Gray ME\n\n**Severity:** Unknown\n**Certainty:** Unknown\n**Urgency:** Unknown\n**Areas:** Northern Oxford; Northern Franklin; Central Somerset; Southern Oxford; Southern Franklin; Southern Somerset; Interior York; Central Interior Cumberland; Androscoggin; Kennebec; Interior Waldo; Coastal York; Coastal Cumberland; Sagadahoc; Lincoln; Knox; Coastal Waldo; Interior Cumberland Highlands\n**Issued by:** NWS Gray ME\n**Sent:** 2026-07-02T15:38:00-04:00\n**Effective:** 2026-07-02T15:38:00-04:00\n**Expires:** 2026-07-06T00:00:00-04:00\n\n## Description\nThe Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air\nQuality has issued an Air Quality Alert for particle pollution from\nmidnight tonight to midnight EDT Sunday night.\n\nParticle pollution levels are expected to rise into the Unhealthy for\nSensitive Groups range periodically during the weekend. People are\nadvised to follow the health message if visibility is poor or they\ncan smell smoke.\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."}