Portland, Maine – Smoke drifting back into southern and central Maine could push air pollution levels into the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range on Sunday, prompting health warnings from state officials.
According to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, an Air Quality Alert is in effect from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday across York, Cumberland, Androscoggin, Kennebec, Sagadahoc, and Waldo counties. A dense plume of wildfire smoke is expected to move northeastward across the state beginning around daybreak, bringing elevated levels of fine particle pollution.
Cities including Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, and Biddeford will see the worst conditions midday, with hazy skies and possible throat or lung irritation. Health officials advise limiting strenuous outdoor activities, especially for children, seniors, and individuals with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions.
While it remains safe for most to be active outdoors, symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness may signal the need to slow down or move indoors. Residents are encouraged to check the latest air quality updates online or call the state’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-223-1196.
Additional alerts may follow if smoke lingers into Monday.
