Grand Forks, N.D. – Thick smoke from Canadian wildfires is blanketing much of eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota, cutting visibility to as low as one mile and raising air quality concerns for all residents through Sunday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Forks, the heaviest surface-level smoke moved in Saturday afternoon and is expected to spread eastward through Sunday. Visibility is fluctuating between 1 to 3 miles, with sudden, sharper drops possible near Cooperstown and other rural corridors.
Drivers are urged to use headlights during the day and avoid non-essential travel in heavily affected zones. Health officials recommend limiting outdoor activity—especially for children, older adults, and anyone with respiratory conditions. This alert impacts key areas along U.S. Highway 2 and I-29, where reduced visibility could pose driving hazards.
This marks one of the season’s most widespread smoke intrusions in the region, with similar conditions last recorded in late June 2023. Officials say smoke could thin slightly Monday, but more advisories are possible if wind patterns shift.
Surface smoke advisories remain in effect through at least Sunday night. Updates will follow if visibility or air quality worsens.
