Ground level ozone concentrations are expected to reach the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (USG) level according to Air Quality Meterorolgists at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in a press release issued late this afternoon.

Ozone is expected to reach USG levels along the coast from Kittery through Acadia National Park on both Wednesday, June 4th and Thursday, June 5, 2025.

Ozone has been building over the mid-Atlantic region on Tueday, with this airmass projected to move over southern New England and into Maine on Wednesday.  Meanwhile, Particle Pollution is expected to be moderate statewide on Wednesday due to widfire smoke entering the region. On Thursday, weather conditons are expected to remain consistent and currentlly, Air Quality Forecasters are not expecting pollutants to move out of the Maine area.

At elevated ozone levels, children, the elderly and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or COP can experience reduced lung function and irritation.  In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health affects.  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 include:

Avoiding strenous outdoor activity; Closing windows and circulating indoor air with a fan, or air conditioner; and Asthmatics should keep their quick-relief medications and action plan handy.

For more information, please visit MaineDEP’s webpage:  www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast.