Air Quality Alert Issued For Twin Cities Metro

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) Friday issued an air quality alert that includes all of the Twin Cities metro area. The alert is effective from 12 p.m. through 9 p.m.

"Air quality is expected to worsen Friday and Air Quality Index values are expected to reach the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category," the agency said in a statement.

"Sunny skies, hot temperatures, low humidity, and light winds will produce an environment favorable for emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) near the Twin Cities that can quickly form ozone. Ozone concentrations will be the lowest in the morning hours Friday, will gradually rise midday, and peak in the late afternoon."

Friday's high temperature is set to hit 95 degrees in the Twin Cities metro area.

The air quality in the metro is expected to improve Friday evening.

People are who are most at risk during Friday's poor air conditions include:

• Those who have asthma or other breathing conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.
• Children
• Workers or athletes doing extended or heavy physical activity
• People who are more sensitive to ozone

"Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy," the PCA said. "If possible, stay away from local sources of air pollution like busy roads and wood fires."