Minnesota Faces Highest Ozone Readings in 11 Years, Air Quality Alert Issued.

Ozone levels in Minnesota have reached their highest in 11 years due to a combination of sunlight, warmer temperatures and increased pollutants. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for central and southern Minnesota, which is expected to last until Thursday. The affected area includes the Twin Cities, Brainerd, Alexandria, Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Ortonville, Mankato, and the tribal nations of Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, Upper Sioux, and Prairie Island. The air quality is expected to reach the orange AQI category, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups.