Minnesota Issues Air Quality Alert Due to Ozone Levels

St. Paul, Minnesota – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert due to anticipated high levels of ozone pollution. This alert is in effect from noon CDT to 9 PM CDT on Tuesday, affecting the western two-thirds of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities Metro area.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category, indicating that sensitive populations might experience health effects. These groups include individuals with lung diseases like asthma, heart disease, children, older adults, and those active outdoors.

Ozone levels are expected to peak on Tuesday afternoon when the weather conditions will allow for high ground-level ozone concentrations. Mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity are forecasted, providing ideal conditions for ozone generation from pollutants such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides reacting with sunlight.

The agency warns those in sensitive groups to limit prolonged outdoor exertion during this period. Residents are also advised to reduce various activities contributing to air pollution, including outdoor burning and unnecessary vehicle trips.

The agency has noted that elevated ozone levels could persist into Wednesday under similar weather conditions.

For ongoing air quality updates and more information, residents can visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s website.