Weather Alert in Minnesota
Air Quality Alert issued July 11 at 2:55PM CDT by NWS Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN
AREAS AFFECTED: Douglas; Todd; Morrison; Mille Lacs; Kanabec; Stevens; Pope; Stearns; Benton; Sherburne; Isanti; Chisago; Lac Qui Parle; Swift; Chippewa; Kandiyohi; Meeker; Wright; Hennepin; Anoka; Ramsey; Washington; Yellow Medicine; Renville; McLeod; Sibley; Carver; Scott; Dakota; Redwood; Brown; Nicollet; Le Sueur; Rice; Goodhue; Watonwan; Blue Earth; Waseca; Steele; Martin; Faribault; Freeborn
DESCRIPTION: * WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the Purple or Very Unhealthy category. * WHERE...Central and south central Minnesota. * WHEN...Until 9 AM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in central Canada moved into northwest Minnesota early Friday morning behind a cold front. This first band of smoke is currently impacting northern Minnesota as it moves east during the day Friday. Air quality will worsen across northeast Minnesota Friday evening as smoke arrives over the region. A second round of smoke will move into northwest Minnesota late Friday evening. This smoke will be more widespread as it moves southeast overnight, and by Saturday afternoon the entire state may be impacted. The heaviest smoke on Saturday will be across the northern half of the state. Air quality will begin to improve across western Minnesota Sunday morning as cleaner air moves in from the west. By Sunday evening, the smoke should be gone from most of the state. Another round of smoke is possible across far northern Minnesota Sunday night.
INSTRUCTION: Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should avoid all physical activities outdoors. The general public should avoid 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. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors.
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Weather Topic: What are Altostratus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Altostratus Clouds
Next Topic: Cirrocumulus Clouds
Altostratus clouds form at mid to high-level altitudes
(between 2 and 7 km) and are created by a warm, stable air mass which causes
water vapor
to condense as it rise through the atmosphere. Usually altostratus clouds are
featureless sheets characterized by a uniform color.
In some cases, wind punching through the cloud formation may give it a waved
appearance, called altostratus undulatus. Altostratus clouds
are commonly seen with other cloud formations accompanying them.
Next Topic: Cirrocumulus Clouds
Weather Topic: What are Cirrostratus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Cirrostratus Clouds
Next Topic: Cirrus Clouds
Cirrostratus clouds are high, thin clouds that form above
20,000 feet and are made mostly of ice crystals. They sometimes look like giant
feathers, horse tails, or curls of hair in the sky.
These clouds are pushed by the jet stream and can move at high speeds reaching
100 mph.
What do they indicate?
They indicate that a precipitation is likely within 24 hours.
Next Topic: Cirrus Clouds
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