Press Release: 7/2/2026

MassDEP Air Quality Alert for Twelve Counties across Massachusetts

WHEN: Effective 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m., TODAY, Wednesday, July 1, 2026 

WHERE: Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties as well as Cape Cod and Islands 

WHAT: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued an air quality alert for today, covering Hampden, Hampshire, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth counties as well as Cape Cod and Islands. Due to elevated levels of ozone, air quality in these areas is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and people who are active outdoors. People with either lung disease or heart disease are at greater risk from exposure to air pollution. 

MassDEP advises people in sensitive groups to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, do less intense activities, follow asthma action plans, and keep quick relief medicine handy. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. 

More details are available, including forecasts and real-time data, at MassDEP’s MassAir Online site.