WINONA, Minn. – Air quality will continue as problematic for the bulk of southern and central Minnesota through 9 p.m., Thursday, the state pollution control agency reported. On the federal color-coded scale, the ozone index will be orange as unhealthy for sensitive people. The same orange category will persist also in adjacent Wisconsin counties through 11 p.m. Friday, Wisconsin officials said. During peak ozone, people with asthma, children, older adults, and people in general should avoid prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
