Minnesota – An Air Quality Alert remains in effect across parts of Minnesota through 9 a.m. Monday, as wildfire smoke from Canada blankets the region. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued warnings for fine particle pollution, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) into the “Red” or “Unhealthy” category for some areas. The smoky haze will impact many northern and central counties, including Duluth, Hibbing, Brainerd, and International Falls, potentially causing health effects for sensitive groups.
According to the MPCA, the moderate to heavy smoke will linger through the evening before clearing out to the north by Monday morning. The air quality alert has now been expanded southward to include additional counties like Pine and Crow Wing, while northeastern Minnesota’s alert has been lifted. The smoke is primarily from Canadian wildfires, contributing to deteriorating air quality that may affect those with respiratory or heart conditions, older adults, and children.
Residents in these areas are urged to limit outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exertion. For those who need to be outside, it’s important to avoid prolonged exposure to the air and to keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from entering homes. Air pollution can also be reduced by limiting vehicle idling, outdoor burning, and the use of residential wood-burning devices.
This air quality alert is expected to last until 9 a.m. Monday, but conditions could worsen if new wildfire activity causes further smoke accumulation.
