An air quality alert in effect for the Twin Cities and portions of central Minnesota until 6 p.m. Thursday has been expanded to include areas of southern Minnesota.
Air quality alert for Twin Cities until Thursday night expands to southern Minnesota
It lasts until 6 p.m. Thursday and also covers some areas of central Minnesota.
December 12, 2018 at 10:31PM
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says fine particle readings are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups because of light winds, clear skies and a strong inversion that led to air pollutants being trapped close to the ground.
On Wednesday, the agency added areas stretching down to the Iowa-Minnesota border including Rochester, Mankato and Albert Lea. The alert also covers a stretch of central Minnesota to the north and west, including Willmar and Hutchinson.
By Thursday afternoon, a front is expected to move into the state and bring in more healthy air.
Among those who could be affected the next couple of days, the MPCA says:
• People with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other conditions.
• Those with heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Young children and older adults.
• Athletes, outdoor workers and others doing extended physical activity.
For more, check out the MPCA alerts and conditions online.
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