Lake Wilson, MN Severe Weather Alertstar_ratehome

...ELEVATED FIRE DANGER AND LOCALIZED BLOWING DUST TODAY...

South winds gusting as high as 40 to 45 mph will develop quickly
by mid to late morning. Wind speeds will ease across east-central
South Dakota by mid afternoon, while the stronger gusts linger in
southwest Minnesota through sunset.

These strong winds, combined with near-record warmth and humidity
levels as low as 25 to 35 percent, will produce elevated fire
weather concerns today. Grassland fire danger will reach the High
category, with locally higher fire danger in cured croplands and
grasses.

Avoid outdoor burning and use extra caution with equipment in dry
crops, as rapid fire spread is possible.

In addition to the elevated fire danger, winds gusting over 40 mph
may produce areas of blowing dust, locally reducing visibility and
air quality.

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM CDT TO 7 PM CDT SATURDAY...

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

* WHERE...West central and southwest Minnesota.

* WHEN...From 7 AM CDT to 7 PM CDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease
(including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may
experience health effects.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Unseasonably warm temperatures and strong
southerly wind gusts in excess of 40 mph across dry soils in an area
of drought will result in blowing dust and reduced air quality
Saturday morning and afternoon. Decreasing winds will lessen the
potential for impacts through the evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should limit
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.

&&

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.;

Poor air quality can impact pets and animals. More information;
regarding pet and animal safety can be found at;
https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2026-06/protect-your-pets-;
factsheet.pdf and https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-;
owners/emergencycare/wildfire-smoke-and-animals.