Air quality alert in Twin Cities Friday as summery streak continues

An air quality alert will be in effect Friday in the Twin Cities for ozone pollution as summerlike warmth rolls on.

The alert was in place until 9 p.m., according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 

"Ground-level ozone is expected to be high Friday afternoon in the Twin Cities metro area," the agency said. "Mostly sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity will provide a favorable environment for two types of pollutants (volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides) to react with sunlight in the air to produce ground-level ozone."

The Twin Cities area is expected to hit the orange category of the Air Quality Index, which means unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups such as older adults, children and those with heart or lung conditions.

Highs were expected to be in the upper 80s on Friday and will be in the low 80s on Sunday, which is still above average.

Western Minnesota has rain chances through the weekend, though the metro looks to stay dry.

Rain chances return to the metro on Wednesday night and into Thursday.

Highs in the mid & upper 80s next week.