Air quality in the Twin Cities and parts of central Minnesota is expected to slip into the orange "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category on Tuesday afternoon and evening, as ground-level ozone builds during the warmest, sunniest part of the day. Officials are warning people who are sensitive to air pollution to plan ahead and dial back strenuous outdoor activity while the alert is in effect.
In a news release, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said the air quality alert will run from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Ozone levels are expected to climb by late morning, peak in the afternoon and taper off in the early evening. The alert covers the Twin Cities metro, St. Cloud and the Prairie Island and Mille Lacs tribal nations, with forecasters pointing to hot, sunny skies and low humidity as ideal conditions for ozone formation.
What the Alert Means for Your Health
An orange Air Quality Index (AQI) rating of 101 to 150 is classified as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups," which means children, older adults and people with asthma or heart and lung disease are more likely to notice symptoms and should limit long periods of outdoor exertion, according to AirNow. The outdoor air guidance for schools and child care from the Minnesota Department of Health advises moving or scaling back vigorous outdoor activities when air quality reaches unhealthy levels and outlines specific steps to protect students and staff. School administrators, program leaders and coaches are encouraged to use that guidance when planning practices, recess and other outdoor events.
How To Protect Yourself And Reduce Pollution
State officials recommend putting off gas-powered lawn and garden work, cutting down on unnecessary driving and skipping backyard fires while the alert is active. People who are sensitive to air pollution should keep relief inhalers close by and stick to their written asthma action plans, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Those steps can reduce both personal exposure and the emissions that help create ground-level ozone in the first place.
Where To Check the Hourly Forecast
For current conditions and local forecasts, you can use the national AQI maps and tools on AirNow and sign up for EnviroFlash email alerts tailored to your area. These tools can help you decide when to move workouts, practices or other heavy outdoor activities indoors, or shift them away from the afternoon peak.
If you develop shortness of breath, wheezing or chest tightness, follow your asthma action plan and contact your health care provider, and seek emergency care for severe symptoms. The Minnesota Department of Health offers additional resources for parents, schools and caregivers on how to respond during air-quality events. Local residents are advised to keep an eye on forecasts through the afternoon for any updates or possible extensions of Tuesday's alert.
