WHAT: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index
(AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category.
WHERE: East central, central, west central, southeast, north
central, and northwest Minnesota.
WHEN: Until 11 AM CDT Friday.
IMPACTS: Some members of the general public may experience
health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung
disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older
adults, may experience health effects.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Very heavy smoke is expected across the
Arrowhead today, as large wildfires continue to spread. Hot
temperatures, when combined with the air pollution, will
exacerbate health impacts. A frontal boundary will then spread
heavy smoke further south this evening into Wednesday morning, as
it moves across northern and central Minnesota. The onset of
smoke will be rapid. This boundary eventually passes through the
Twin Cities and into southeastern Minnesota on Wednesday or
Wednesday evening, bringing heavy smoke even further south.
Additional rounds of heavy smoke are possible from Thursday
through Friday morning across the alert area.
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Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should
avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should
limit prolonged or heavy exertion.
Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution,
such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning
devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as
possible.
Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting
indoors.