...AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CDT WEDNESDAY... * 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 Purple or Very Unhealthy category. * WHERE...North central and northeast Minnesota. * WHEN...Until noon CDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Minor ashfall will be possible due to the dense smoke. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of very heavy ground-level smoke from Canadian wildfires has moved into northwest Minnesota Monday morning behind a cold front. This smoke will continue to follow behind the cold front as it moves southeast and smoke will reach north central and northeast Minnesota by Monday afternoon. Precipitation is expected across northern and central Minnesota Monday afternoon and evening, but may not help improve air quality much. The most significant impacts on air quality are expected to occur across north central Minnesota. Air quality will begin to improve Wednesday morning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should avoid all physical activities outdoors. The general public should avoid 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.
