Air Quality Alert Issued for Thursday

(KNSI) — An air quality alert is in effect until 6:00 Friday morning, and it does include St. Cloud.

The alert is for fine particle pollution stemming from wildfires continuing to burn in Alberta and Saskatchewan, which will drive the air quality down into the red or unhealthy for all category.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says in the red area, everyone should avoid prolonged time outdoors. Exposure to unhealthy air may cause symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Sensitive or more exposed individuals may experience more serious health effects, including worsening of existing heart or lung disease and respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.

If one has to be outside, take frequent breaks and avoid strenuous activities. Inside, keep windows closed to protect the indoor air quality.

The heavy, ground level smoke is being carried on a cold front moving into Minnesota from the northwest. Overnight, the air should clear as the winds die back and switch to a more westerly direction before changing to being out of the southwest for the weekend.

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