St. Cloud Included in Air Pollution Health Advisory

ST. CLOUD - Hot temps and low wind gusts are creating an air quality advisory for much of Minnesota.

Parts of Central Minnesota, including St. Cloud, are included in an air pollution health advisory. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued the advisory from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday

"Forecasted temps in the low 90s, mostly sunny skies and light south-southwesterly winds will promote the creation of ozone in the advisory area. As a result, the Air Quality Index is forecasted to reach into the low to mid-90s," the MPCA says.

Ozone levels will approach air quality conditions considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Concentrations will be lowest in the morning and are expected to rise quickly in the early afternoon.

Those sensitive to ozone include:

• Those with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
• The elderly
• Children
• Those who take part in outdoor activities that involve extended or heavy exertion

Ozone concentrations will start declining overnight with thunderstorms in the area, but they may increase again on Saturday.