Unhealthy air alert posted for Twin Cities, western Minnesota

An air quality alert has been posted for the Twin Cities and parts of western and west-central Minnesota through 6 p.m. Thursday.

Stagnant weather conditions have pushed up the level of fine particles in the atmosphere, and "light winds, clear skies, and a strong inversion have resulted in poor dispersion and air pollutants becoming trapped near the ground," the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said Tuesday.

Conditions are now considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, including people with asthma or high blood pressure, children and older adults, and people doing heavy work or exercise outdoors, the agency said.

A weather front moving across the state Thursday afternoon is expected to bring cleaner air in the region, the MPCA added.

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