The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota due to heavy smoke from wildfires in northeast British Columbia. The alert will be in effect from Sunday, May 12, until Monday, May 13. The smoke is expected to move south across the state on Sunday, reaching central Minnesota in the afternoon and southern Minnesota in the evening. Air quality is expected to gradually improve on Monday as the smoke disperses. Sensitive groups, including people with asthma or other breathing conditions, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, pregnant women, children, and older adults, are at risk and should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. Symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath may be experienced by anyone. Outdoor physical activities should be reduced, and sensitive individuals should consider shortening, rescheduling, or moving outdoor events inside [f04c0be7].
Meanwhile, Saharan air dust is tracking towards East Tennessee, bringing vibrant sunsets by Saturday. The dust plume is pulled northwards along the Appalachian mountains. The air quality remains excellent in East Tennessee. The Saharan dust will create rosy sunrises and sunsets, best viewed from mountain peaks. The dust limits the sun's warmth and interferes with tropical storm formation. African dust contains important nutrients for marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The University of Miami has been tracking the Saharan Air Layer since the 1960s. The dust largely inhibits tropical storm development. Charles Darwin encountered the dust in 1833 and noted its wide distribution. The dust plume will have no direct impacts on weather in East Tennessee. Get your cameras ready for the dusty pink sunsets this weekend [e933ea13] [f04c0be7].
