...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT MONDAY... * 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, north central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT Monday. * 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...Moderate to heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will remain draped across much of northern and central Minnesota through the evening before retreating back north and exiting the region through the morning on Monday. Based on the latest observations and model data, the air quality alert has been expanded a bit further south into central Minnesota, and has been cancelled across much of northeastern Minnesota. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... 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. && For information on current air quality conditions in your area and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/current-air- quality-conditions. You can find additional information about health and air quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land- climate/air-quality-and-health.