The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for particle pollution from 10 AM this morning to midnight EDT tonight. Particle pollution levels are expected to rise into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range during the day today. Smoke from wildfires in western Ontario and Manitoba is expected to move back into Maine during the day. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors. It is okay to be active outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so Maine residents can stay informed on the air quality situations. The toll free number is: 1-800-223-1196. Additionally the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has the air quality forecast available on the web at www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast.

HIGH RIP CURRENT RISK IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM EDT THIS MORNING THROUGH THIS EVENING... * WHAT...Dangerous rip currents expected. * WHERE...In Maine, Coastal York, Coastal Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln and Knox Counties. In New Hampshire, Coastal Rockingham County. * WHEN...From 8 AM EDT this morning through this evening. * IMPACTS...Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for particle pollution from 10 AM Saturday to midnight EDT Saturday night. Particle pollution levels are expected to rise into the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range during the day on Saturday. Smoke from wildfires in western Ontario and Manitoba is expected to move back into Maine during the day on Saturday. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, the elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, those with heart disease and anyone who is working hard outdoors. It is okay to be active outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so Maine residents can stay informed on the air quality situations. The toll free number is: 1-800-223-1196. Additionally the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has the air quality forecast available on the web at www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast.