Polluted Air Will 'Exacerbate' Extreme Heat: MN Weather

TWIN CITIES, MN — Poor air quality and excessive heat will create dangerous conditions for Minnesotans spending time outdoors this week.

"Excessive heat is possible this week, with Wednesday and Thursday looking the hottest," the National Weather Service said. "Be sure you and your neighbors/family are prepared."

Temperatures are expected to hit 95 degrees or higher on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the metro.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the Twin Cities during that same time period, from noon on Tuesday through 9 p.m. on Thursday.

Ground-level ozone is expected to be high during the afternoon and evening hours on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in the metro.

"Sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity will create an environment favorable for two types of pollutants (volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides) to react in the air to produce ground-level ozone, the MPCA said.

"The health impacts of air quality are exacerbated by extreme heat."

Sensitive groups — including people with asthma, heart disease, children, and older adults — and should take extra precautions and avoid spending time outdoors.

People who generally spend long hours outside for work or recreation are also at high risk for heat exhaustion. Officials recommend people stay away from local sources of air pollution, including busy roads and wood fires.

The MPCA provided the following tips for reducing ozone:

• Reduce vehicle trips and fill the gas tank at dawn or dusk
• Use public transport or carpool when possible
• Postpone the use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment on air alert days
  • Opt for battery or manual equipment instead
• Avoid bonfires

Here's the specific NWS forecast from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport:

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 5am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10am, then a slight chance of showers between 10am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing and hot, with a high near 96. South southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 10 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Friday: A slight chance of thunderstorms before 7am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. North northeast wind around 10 mph.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 87. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind around 10 mph.

Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind around 10 mph.