333 
AEUS73 KARX 181404
AQAARX

AIR QUALITY ALERT MESSAGE 
RELAYED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LA CROSSE WI 
904 AM CDT Thu May 18 2023

MNZ079-086>088-094>096-191400-
Wabasha-Dodge-Olmsted-Winona-Mower-Fillmore-Houston-
Including the cities of Wabasha, Dodge Center, Rochester, Winona, 
Austin, Preston, and Caledonia 
904 AM CDT Thu May 18 2023

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT THROUGH 6 AM CDT FRIDAY...

* 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 Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive 
  Groups category.

* WHERE...Southeast Minnesota.

* WHEN...From 8 AM CDT today through 6 AM CDT Friday.

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

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...

A band of very heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in northern 
Alberta and Saskatchewan is currently moving along a cold front in 
northwestern Minnesota. The smoke will continue to move south and 
east and eventually impact the entire state of Minnesota. The smoke 
should clear rapidly overnight into Friday morning.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange AQI category, 
a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across 
southeastern, northeastern, and far east central Minnesota. This 
area includes Rochester and Winona. In the orange area, sensitive 
groups should avoid prolonged time outdoors.

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 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.

$$

Boyne