Iowa DNR extends air quality alert for entire state through Sunday morning
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has extended an ongoing air quality alert for the entire state.
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The DNR issued an air quality alert Thursday for Iowa due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, making it dangerous for some people to be outside for extended periods.
With high pressure moving in and northeast winds in place, surface smoke associated with the Canadian wildfires will be causing issues for the next few days. The air quality alert was initially set to expire at the end of the day Friday. However, it was updated to extend through 8 a.m. Sunday.
Laura Knapp, a visitor from Minnesota attending the Senior Games in Des Moines, said, "When we walked out of the hotel this morning I could smell it just a little bit, but nothing like up north." She added, "I only smell the smoke a little bit. But I'm from Minnesota, so it's way worse up north. And, when we go outside there, we can smell it. And you can actually see it a lot in the air here. We can just see it just a little bit. So it's not bothering us at all."
Todd Russell from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources noted, "I actually smelled it for a short time this morning. But then I, you know, I think your nose gets used to it. You don't notice it anymore." He said the smoke has converged over Iowa and advised sensitive individuals to be aware of the increased particulate matter in the air, calling it "unhealthy" for older Iowans with heart or lung issues. Russell added, "Prolonged and heavy outdoor activity would be something to stay away from. Other than that, most healthy people taking a walk or something like that would not be considered a bad idea."
The Senior Games in Des Moines are not taking special precautions at this time, and the Iowa DNR says the smoky air will stick around for a few days, depending on the weather.
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