Air Quality Alert Issued For Ozone Pollution In Twin Cities

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for ozone pollution in the Twin Cities metro and south-central Minnesota. Air quality is expected to worsen Tuesday to unhealthy levels.

Winds will bring high levels of pollutants from the south. Sunny skies and hot temperatures will combine to cause an increase in ground-level ozone.

Air quality index (AQI) values are expected to climb into the low 100s Tuesday in the metro. This is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, children and older adults, and people who are active outdoors should limit prolonged exertion.

Ozone concentrations will be the lowest in the morning hours Tuesday, and will gradually rise midday through the afternoon.

Air quality will improve Tuesday evening as thunderstorms move into the area from the west.

Twin Cities Heat Advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

High temperatures in the mid 90s will combine with high humidity to yield peak heat indices in the mid to upper 90s today. Heat illnesses are possible for those active outdoors or those susceptible to heat illnesses, such as children and the elderly.

Take extra precautions

When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, OSHA recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.

Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911.

Twin Cities forecast

Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 94. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. South wind around 5 mph becoming west after midnight. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 63. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast after midnight.

Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. East southeast wind around 10 mph.

Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Southeast wind around 10 mph.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming north northwest after midnight.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. North northwest wind around 5 mph.

Image via Minnesota Pollution Control Agency