The Iowa DNR has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert through 6 a.m. Thursday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) may reach the red or unhealthy category in affected areas. Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires was pulled down to the surface early Tuesday morning and levels in northwestern Iowa have been measured in the unhealthy category. Sensitive groups of people as well as the general public may experience health effects at this level. Intermittent thick smoke can be expected over Iowa with the heaviest band stretching across the state from the southwest through the northeast. Elevated levels of fine particulates may be a concern over the next several days as the smoke continues to move through the state. The DNR recommends that people reduce long or intense activities, and take more breaks during outdoor activities until air quality conditions improve.
