Gilbert, MN Severe Weather Alertstar_ratehome

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 AM CDT MONDAY...

* 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...North central and northeast Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT Monday.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in
central Canada moved into northwest Minnesota early Friday
morning behind a cold front. This first band of smoke is
currently impacting northern Minnesota as it moves east during
the day Friday. Air quality will worsen across northeast
Minnesota Friday evening as smoke arrives over the region. A
second round of smoke will move into northwest Minnesota late
Friday evening. This smoke will be more widespread as it moves
southeast overnight, and by Saturday afternoon the entire state
may be impacted. The heaviest smoke on Saturday will be across
the northern half of the state. Air quality will begin to
improve across western Minnesota Sunday morning as cleaner air
moves in from the west. By Sunday evening, the smoke should be
gone from most of the state. Another round of smoke is possible
across far northern Minnesota Sunday night.

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.