The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for east-central and southeast Minnesota through 8 p-m tonight (Fri) which includes the Twin Cities metro area, Saint Cloud, Rochester, Winona and the Prairie Island Tribal Nation. Hot temperatures, sunny skies and light winds are causing an increase in ground level ozone and other pollutants. Pollution levels are expected to increase to a point where it’s unhealthy for sensitive groups. People should limit physical activity, and those with asthma and other lung diseases should take extra precautions and contact their health care provider if necessary.