...THICK SMOKE PASSING THROUGH THE AREA TODAY AND THIS EVENING...

Smoke from wildfires in Canada has drifted south overnight behind
a cold front. Visibilities have fallen to between 2 to 4 miles
across parts of central Minnesota, but could be reduced to a mile
or less at times. Visibilities will deteriorate across southern
Minnesota by this afternoon as the smoke continues to drift
south. Conditions will improve from north to south this evening.

In addition to visibility reductions, very poor air quality is
expected. People more likely to be affected by poor air quality
include those who have asthma or other breathing conditions,
people with heart disease or high blood pressure, children and
older adults, and all who are engaged in extended or heavy
physical activity outdoors. Stay indoors and limit the amount of
outside air allowed in.

...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.