Proctor, MN Severe Weather Alertstar_ratehome

...AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM CDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality
Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Purple or Very Unhealthy
category.

* WHERE....The North Shore of Lake Superior and surrounding areas
including Duluth, Two Harbors, Grand Portage, Grand Marais, and
Cloquet.

* WHEN...Until 5 PM CDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Northerly winds will continue transporting
waves of heavy surface smoke from wildfires across Manitoba and
Saskatchewan into Minnesota. Smoke will move south across all of
Minnesota and linger through Saturday afternoon. The smoke will
be reinforced by an area of high pressure that will create light
winds and limit the dispersion of smoke. Heavier smoke is now
expected to make it into southern Minnesota, therefore all of
Minnesota will likely experience Red/Unhealthy AQI at times
through Saturday afternoon when the air quality is forecasted to
improve. Very dense smoke is located over Lake Superior, and the
AQI forecast has been upgraded to Purple, which is very
unhealthy air quality.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should
avoid all physical activities outdoors. The general public should
avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution,
such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning
devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible.

Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors.

&&

For information on current air quality conditions in your area;
and to sign up for daily air quality forecasts and alert;
notifications by email, text message, phone, or the EPA AirNow;
mobile app, visit https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-;
climate/current-air- quality-conditions. You can find additional;
information about health and air quality at;
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water- land-climate/air-quality-;
and-health.