* 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 Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups category.
* WHERE…All of Minnesota.
* WHEN…Now through 6 PM CDT Monday.
* IMPACTS…Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease
(including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may
experience health effects.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…A cold front will continue to drag smoke from
large wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan southward into
Minnesota. This will be a long duration event with multiple rounds of
smoke expected. The highest concentration of smoke is expected
Saturday afternoon. The air quality will improve slightly overnight
Saturday before a second wave of smoke arrives Sunday morning. Air
quality may improve Sunday evening before a third round of smoke
arrives Monday. This air quality alert may need to be extended as
additional waves of smoke will be possible.