Air pollution is a growing concern as an air quality alert is now active in central Minnesota.

St. Cloud State meteorology professor Bob Weisman says particle concentration levels are reaching unhealthy levels in the Twin Cities. This is due to warmer air being above cold air and light ground winds.

The area affected runs from Interstate 94 to the Minnesota River. A small piece of St. Cloud might be affected by high pollution levels.

The air quality alert will go through 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 13. However, since a strong cold front is the most effective way to clear out the low air, the pollution issue could continue until Saturday.