...AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH 3 PM CDT TUESDAY...

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

* WHERE...Northwest and north central Minnesota.

* WHEN...Through 3 PM CDT Tuesday.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Smoke from Canadian wildfires lingers over
most of Minnesota. There has been some improvement Sunday afternoon
to the air quality. However, on Sunday evening more smoke is expected
to move into Minnesota.  This reinforcing batch of heavy smoke along
with smoke recirculating from the past several days will create high
levels of fine particle pollution. Fine particle levels will begin to
improve Monday as southerly winds start moving the smoke out of the
state. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the Red AQI
category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across far
western Minnesota, especially in the Red River Valley. This area
includes Moorhead and East Grand Forks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

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

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 Minnesota Air mobile app, visit
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/current-air-quality. You can find
additional information about health and air quality at
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/why-you-should-care-air-quality-and-
health.