The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert through 6 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday) due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter from Canadian wildfire smoke. Air quality levels reached the red, or “unhealthy,” category Tuesday morning in northwestern Iowa, where thick smoke settled near ground level. The Air Quality Index (AQI) may remain in the unhealthy range in several areas as the smoke spreads across the state from southwest to northeast. Sensitive groups, including people with heart or lung disease, older adults, young children, and outdoor workers, are encouraged to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. The DNR advises all Iowans to reduce outdoor exertion and take frequent breaks when outside. Intermittent smoke is expected over the next several days. For real-time air quality updates, follow the links included below.
______
