...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CDT MONDAY...

* 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...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.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, 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.