Minnesota air quality alert extended in Twin Cities

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - An air quality alert set to end at noon on Monday has been extended through the evening, officials say.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced the alert will last until 11 p.m. Monday night for southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities and areas to the south. The MPCA initially issued an alert for the entire state, but it expired for northern Minnesota at 8 a.m.

As of noon, most of southern Minnesota remained in the "unhealthy" air quality range.

The MPCA writes:

"Heavy smoke will linger across southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro through the day on Monday. This band of smoke will slowly drift to the south throughout the day and air quality will begin improving from north to south within the alert area. Air quality should improve across the Twin Cities metro during the afternoon and the rest of southern Minnesota can expect improving air quality by the end of the day.

"Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across southern Minnesota. This area includes Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Winona, Mankato, and the tribal nation of Prairie Island. In the red area, sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across the Twin Cities metro. This area includes the Twin Cities metro. In the orange area, sensitive groups should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors."

State officials provided details about this year's air quality forecast on Thursday.

Minnesota residents are advised to keep windows closed to prevent smoke from coming indoors. Actions that contribute to air pollution, such as burning, should be avoided. The MPCA also advises people to limit prolonged or heavy exertion and their time spent outdoors. Vehicle trips and vehicle idling should be reduced as much as possible. 

Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion as much as possible.  

There was a record number of air quality alerts last summer due to smoke from Canadian wildfires being carried into the state.