Twin Cities air quality befouled by fireworks

Particle pollution in the Twin Cities was elevated Sunday because of Saturday night's fireworks all over the metro area, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said Sunday.

Last update: July 5, 2009 - 8:30 PM

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The fireworks were fun, but they came at a price.

Particle pollution in the Twin Cities was elevated Sunday because of Saturday night's fireworks all over the metro area, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said Sunday.

The agency issued an "orange" notification after light winds failed to disperse the pollutants that lingered after the celebratory fanfare and fumes. People with asthma and other health problems, as well as elderly people, were advised to stay indoors, and everyone was urged to avoid prolonged outside exertion.

By today, the Twin Cities air pollution level should be down to "moderate," where it is expected to remain through this week, the agency said. With a "moderate" designation, sensitive groups should continue to avoid outdoor exertion, the agency said.

According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, this week will bring lots of clouds and a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the Twin Cities -- ill news for sun-lovers but welcome news for gardeners and farmers fretting about drought. There's a 20 percent chance of rain today, when the high will be 82, and a 50 percent chance tonight, when the low will be 63. Tuesday will bring an even stronger chance of showers.

PAMELA MILLER

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