Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Issues Air Quality Alert for Tuesday, May 13th

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for central and western Minnesota for the second day.

The alert will be in effect from noon to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Ground-level ozone is expected to be high again across roughly the western two-thirds of Minnesota, including the St. Cloud area. Sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity will create ideal conditions for ozone formation. The levels will be highest during the afternoon when sunshine is strongest and temperatures peak.

The air quality will be in the orange, or unhealthy for sensitive groups, category. This includes those with asthma or other respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Children and teenagers are also more likely to be affected, as well as people of any age engaging in prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity like sports or physical labor.

Unhealthy ozone levels can aggravate lung diseases and lead to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, throat irritation, difficulty taking deep breaths, or unusual fatigue.

Consider reducing or postponing outdoor activity, especially during peak ozone hours in the afternoon and early evening. Try to avoid local pollution sources, such as busy roads or wood fires. Those with asthma or other breathing conditions should ensure they have their rescue inhalers and follow their written asthma action plans.

Ozone will remain elevated on Wednesday as sunny skies, warm temperatures, and dry conditions persist. The MPCA also issued an orange air alert on Monday.

More information about current air quality conditions can be found on the MPCA’s website by clicking here.

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