Milder p.m. temps today; air quality alert

Our temperatures will continue their upward trend today, with afternoon highs in the 20s in most areas:

There could be a few teens in northeastern Minnesota.

You can hear updated weather information for Minnesota and western Wisconsin on the MPR network, and you’ll see updated weather info on the MPR News live weather blog.

An air quality alert for sensitive persons continues today through Sunday morning in the orange-shaded areas, including the Twin Cities metro:

There is also an air quality alert for west-central and southwestern Wisconsin, which continues until 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Here are details of the Minnesota portion of the air quality alert:

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particle pollution for east central and south central Minnesota. Air quality is expected to worsen beginning Friday evening, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasted to reach Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. Light winds and poor atmospheric mixing will produce an increased level of fine particles beginning Friday evening, through the overnight, and into Saturday. Southerly winds on Saturday will transport more fine particles into Minnesota through Sunday morning. This is expected to produce AQI values in the Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category for the duration of the alert period. Air quality will gradually improve Sunday morning as a weather disturbance moves across Minnesota, which will improve dispersion and bring in cleaner air from the west. An Air Quality Alert for fine particle pollution is issued when the AQI is expected to reach or exceed 101, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should limit prolonged or heavy exertion. 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.

This Updraft blog will be updated around 10:15 a.m. with details on the snow that’s expected in many areas on Sunday, plus a look at the week ahead.

Programming note

You can hear my live weather updates on MPR News at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m. and 4:39 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.