* 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…West central, east central, central, south central,
southwest, north central, and northwest Minnesota.
* WHEN…From noon CDT to 9 PM CDT Tuesday.
* 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
once again during the afternoon hours on Tuesday across roughly
the western two-thirds of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities
Metro. Mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures and low humidity
will provide a favorable environment for two types of pollutants
(volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides) to react with
sunlight in the air to produce ground-level ozone. Ozone will
remain elevated on Wednesday as sunny skies, warm temperatures
and dry conditions persist.