...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON 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 Red or Unhealthy category.

* WHERE...All of central and southern Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until noon CDT Monday.

* 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 smoke from wildfires
in northeast British Columbia has moved into northern Minnesota
and will sweep south across the state on Sunday behind a cold
front. The smoke will reach central Minnesota by Sunday
afternoon and southern Minnesota by Sunday evening. The timing
of maximum smoke impacts in the Twin Cities will be from around
5pm to 10pm - and this would be the time to avoid outdoor
exertion if possible. Smoke will have a rapid onset as the front
passes and will linger overnight before clearing Monday
morning.

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.