Weather Alert in Minnesota
Air Quality Alert issued July 23 at 3:07PM CDT by NWS Sioux Falls SD
AREAS AFFECTED: Lincoln; Lyon; Murray; Cottonwood; Nobles; Jackson; Pipestone; Rock
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 Orange or Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category. * WHERE...Southwest Minnesota. * WHEN...From 12 AM CDT Thursday until 11 PM CDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A band of heavy smoke from wildfires in Saskatchewan and Manitoba is moving south across northwest Minnesota on Wednesday. The smoke will remain over the northwest part of the state through the end of Wednesday, but by Thursday morning the smoke will reach southwest MN. Smoke will also move into the northeast and central portions of the state Thursday morning, and by Thursday afternoon smoke will reach east central and south central MN. Some uncertainty still remains regarding how far south the ground-level smoke will reach by Friday morning, when winds are expected to become southerly and push the smoke back to the north. Air quality should improve gradually from south to north beginning Friday afternoon, with improvement in fine particle levels below the alert threshold expected by the end of Friday.
INSTRUCTION: Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should limit 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 Stratus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Stratus Clouds
Next Topic: Wall Clouds
Stratus clouds are similar to altostratus clouds, but form at a
lower altitude and are identified by their fog-like appearance, lacking the
distinguishing features of most clouds.
Stratus clouds are wider than most clouds, and their base has a smooth, uniform
look which is lighter in color than a nimbostratus cloud.
The presence of a stratus cloud indicates the possibility of minor precipitation,
such as drizzle, but heavier precipitation does not typically arrive in the form
of a stratus cloud.
Next Topic: Wall Clouds
Weather Topic: What are Altocumulus Clouds?
Home - Education - Cloud Types - Altocumulus Clouds
Next Topic: Altostratus Clouds
Similar to cirrocumulus clouds, altocumulus clouds are
characterized by cloud patches. They are distinguished by larger cloudlets
than cirrocumulus clouds but are still smaller than stratocumulus clouds.
Altocumulus clouds most commonly form in middle altitudes (between 2 and 5 km)
and may resemble, at times, the shape of a flying saucer.
These uncommon formations, called altocumulus lenticularis, are created by uplift
in the atmosphere and are most often seen in close proximity to mountains.
Next Topic: Altostratus Clouds
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