* WHAT…The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for ozone pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is
expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
category.
* WHERE…Central Minnesota.
* WHEN…From noon CDT to 9 PM CDT Monday.
* IMPACTS…Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease
(including asthma), heart disease, children and older adults, and
people who are active outdoors, may experience health effects.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Ground-level ozone is expected to be high
during the afternoon hours on Monday across western and central
Minnesota. Mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low
humidity will create an environment favorable for two types of
pollutants (Volatile Organic Compounds and Nitrogen Oxides) to
react in the air to produce ground-level ozone. Ozone will be
highest during the afternoon and early evening hours when
sunshine is most abundant, and temperatures are highest. Ozone
will be low in the morning, late evening, and overnight. Another
alert is possible on Tuesday afternoon as sunny skies and heat
persist.