...AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particles pollution and ground-level
ozone. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Red
or Unhealthy category.

* WHERE...Central Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Some members of the general public may experience
health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung
disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older
adults, may experience health effects.

* 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 the smoke will
impact central Minnesota beginning on Monday afternoon. The smoke
will reach southern Minnesota by Monday evening. In addition,
ground-level ozone may reach the Orange AQI category for the Twin
Cities. Precipitation is expected across central Minnesota Monday
evening, but may not help improve air quality much. Smoke will
begin to clear central Minnesota Wednesday morning and air
quality will improve below the alert threshold.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should
avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should
limit 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.