Weather Alert in Minnesota
Air Quality Alert issued July 12 at 2:47AM 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 is Hail?
Home - Education - Precipitation - Hail
Next Topic: Hole Punch Clouds
Hail is a form of precipitation which is recognized by large solid balls or
clumps of ice. Hail is created by thunderstorm clouds with strong updrafts of wind.
As the hailstones remain in the updraft, ice is deposited onto them until their
weight becomes heavy enough for them to fall to the earth's surface.
Hail storms can cause significant damage to crops, aircrafts, and man-made structures,
despite the fact that the duration is usually less than ten minutes.
Next Topic: Hole Punch Clouds
Weather Topic: What are Mammatus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Mammatus Clouds
Next Topic: Nimbostratus Clouds
A mammatus cloud is a cloud with a unique feature which resembles
a web of pouches hanging along the base of the cloud.
In the United States, mammatus clouds tend to form in the warmer months, commonly
in the Midwest and eastern regions.
While they usually form at the bottom of a cumulonimbis cloud, they can also form
under altostratus, altocumulus, stratocumulus, and cirrus clouds. Mammatus clouds
warn that severe weather is close.
Next Topic: Nimbostratus Clouds
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