* 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…Southwest 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.