UNDATED (WJON News) -- The AQI forecast has been upgraded to Red (Unhealthy for All) across parts of the Twin Cities Metro northwest to St. Cloud.

Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) is expected across the rest of the alert area.

The air quality alert remains in effect until 9:00 p.m. Thursday

Sunny skies, warm temperatures, and low humidity will create an environment favorable for two types of pollutants (Volatile Organic Compounds and Nitrogen Oxides) to react in the air to produce ground-level ozone. These pollutants will be transported by southerly winds from the Chicago area, northeast Iowa, and southeast Minnesota.

The alert 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.

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In the orange area, sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

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