Air Quality Alert For Tri-State Area Today

Forecasters have issued an air quality alert for a portion of northeast Iowa. According to the National Weather Service, the alert area includes Dubuque, Clayton, Delaware, Jackson and Jones counties and is in effect until 4 p.m. today. It’s reported that northerly winds behind a cold front are bringing smoke from western wildfires into the area. Fine particle levels are expected to be at a level considered harmful for sensitive groups, including older adults, people with respiratory or heart disease and children. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommends people within these groups limit prolonged outdoor exertion until air-quality conditions improve.