The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for Tuesday for about half the state, including the Twin Cities and the surrounding metro area.

The alert starts at noon and is scheduled to run until 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Air quality is starting to get poor in parts of the north metro. It will likely spread a little more through the late afternoon and evening.

Take it easy outside today. pic.twitter.com/eWaZ3tGInn

— Matt Serwe (@SerweWX) May 23, 2023

During this time the air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive people due to southern winds blowing in pollutants and creating ground-level ozone.

The alert also includes St. Cloud, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall and Mille Lacs.

More information about the alert is available online.