The Story Outdoors: Hot Temperatures, Pollution Alert and Stormy Forecast

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So much for a quiet weekend.

Dakota County’s weather and air quality are making news, as residents are feeling the full brunt of a summery June weekend.

HOT, HOT, HOT

High temperatures broke the 90-degree plateau Saturday afternoon throughout the Twin Cities. For instance, as of 3:30 p.m., the National Weather Service’s observation station at Fleming Field in South St. Paul was reporting a temperature of 91, down a degree from the previous hour. But because of the relativity low dew point of 50, the heat index stood at 88.

Dakota County cities are expecting a low of 69 tonight, then a high of 91 Sunday before storms are expected to move in.

Click here for the latest weather service forecast.

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK

The weather service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for Sunday afternoon through Monday morning. A cold front moving through the area Sunday afternoon is expected to set off thunderstorms, some of which could be severe.

Large hail and damaging winds are the main severe weather threats, the weather service says.

Click here to view the weather alert.

AIR POLLUTION ALERT

The southern two-thirds of Minnesota was placed under an air pollution health advisory by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Here is the press release from the MPCA:

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air pollution health advisory due to elevated levels of ozone for the southern two-thirds of Minnesota effective from 1pm through Midnight today Saturday, June 9th. 

At-risk Populations: Ozone is expected to near or reach a level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.  Populations sensitive to ozone include people with preexisting respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and individuals who participate in outdoor activities requiring extended or heavy exertion.  Members of these groups are encouraged to postpone or reduce vigorous outdoor activity, or schedule outdoor activity in the morning, when ozone levels are lower.  Even individuals who are otherwise healthy may experience health effects when ozone levels increase.

Health Impacts: Elevated levels of ozone have been linked with respiratory health effects.  Exposure to high levels of ozone may exacerbate pre-existing health conditions.  High ozone levels may make it more difficult to breathe deeply and vigorously, cause shortness of breath and breathing discomfort, and result in coughing and a sore or scratchy throat.  If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician.

Pollution-reduction Tips: Ozone is produced on hot, sunny days by a chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds and oxides of nitrogen.  These pollutants are released from motor vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, paints and solvents, refueling stations, and other activities that require fuel combustion.  Conserving energy; buying clean, renewable power; and utilizing alternative means of transportation will all reduce your contribution to air pollution.  During air quality alerts, residents are particularly encouraged to postpone or reduce vehicle trips and engine idling, the use of gasoline-powered equipment, working with paints and solvents, and burning wood.

Current Air Quality Conditions and Forecast: Hot temperatures, sunny skies, and pollutant transport from wildfires in Utah and New Mexico are enhancing ozone levels across the southern two-thirds of Minnesota today. Ozone is expected to reach 97 AQI in Rochester and 93 AQI in the Twin Cities. These levels are near conditions considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Air quality conditions are expected to improve to moderate Sunday as wind speeds increase and should return to good conditions on Monday.