Air Quality Alert

MNZ001>005-007-008-013>016-022-023-027>031-040-160200-
Clay-East Becker-East Marshall-East Otter Tail-East Polk-Grant-
Kittson-Mahnomen-Norman-North Clearwater-Pennington-Red Lake-Roseau-
South Clearwater-West Becker-West Marshall-West Otter Tail-West Polk-
Wilkin-
Including the Tribal Nations of Red Lake and White Earth
Including the cities of Crookston, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, and
Roseau
225 PM CDT Thu May 14 2026

...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT FRIDAY...

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

* WHERE...West central and northwest Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT Friday.

* 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...Gusty winds to 60 mph will create areas of
blowing dust across western Minnesota. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is
forecasted to remain in the Red/Unhealthy for All category through
Friday evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Particle pollution can get deep into the lungs and cause serious
health problems such as asthma attacks, heart and lung disease
symptoms, and increased risk of lung infections. Everyone can be
affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung or heart
disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those
who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk.

Blowing dust/coarse particle pollution may reduce visibility. Consult
local National Weather Service products for information regarding
visibility restrictions.

The health impacts of coarse particle pollution can be reduced by
utilizing a face covering or mask. Consider utilizing a mask if you
plan to be outdoors during the alert period.
Keep windows closed during the alert period to protect indoor air
quality.

&&

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 EPA AirNow mobile app, visit
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/current-air-
quality-conditions. You can find additional information about health
and air quality at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-
climate/air-quality-and-health.

$$

Taraldsen/Lueck/Klein - MPCA