...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM CDT TONIGHT THROUGH 3 PM
CDT FRIDAY...

WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particle pollution. The Air Quality Index
(AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive
Groups category.

WHERE...Central and south central Minnesota.

WHEN...From 10 PM CDT tonight through 3 PM CDT Friday.

IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease
(including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults,
may experience health effects.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Northerly winds behind a cold front will bring
smoke from wildfires located north of the Canadian border in Ontario
and Manitoba into Minnesota. Heavy smoke is expected to arrive
around mid-morning on Thursday in central and southern Minnesota.
Smoke will remain over the area into Friday. During this time, fine
particle levels are expected to be in the Orange AQI category, a
level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Fine
particle levels will begin to improve Friday morning as southerly
winds start moving the smoke out of the state. By Friday afternoon,
air quality should improve below alert levels statewide.

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.

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 Minnesota Air mobile app,
visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/current-air-quality. You can
find additional information about health and air quality at
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/why-you-should-care-air-quality-and-
health.

...EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of
105 to 110 expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, south central, southwest and west
central Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly
increase the potential for heat related illnesses,
particularly for those working or participating in outdoor
activities. Watch for roads that may have buckled due to the
extreme heat.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible
and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks
in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by
heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.  Heat stroke
is an emergency, call 9 1 1.

An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of
dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot
temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a dangerous
situation in which heat illnesses are likely. Drink plenty of
fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and
check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in
vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during
warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal
temperatures in a matter of minutes.

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