Duluth, Minn. – Thick wildfire smoke from Canada is blanketing northern Minnesota this weekend, triggering an Air Quality Alert that remains in effect through 9 a.m. Monday, July 21.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the alert covers a broad region from Moorhead to Grand Marais, including Duluth, Bemidji, and International Falls. Surface-level smoke began drifting in Saturday afternoon and is expected to persist through Sunday night, bringing “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” conditions in affected areas.
The Minnesota Air Quality Index shows large swaths of red, orange, and even purple zones—indicating elevated health risks. Residents, especially those with heart or lung conditions, are urged to limit outdoor activity, use air purifiers, and stay indoors with windows closed.
In Fargo-Moorhead, visibility dropped by early evening Saturday, while Duluth and Iron Range cities reported a sharp spike in PM2.5 particle levels. School events and weekend festivals in some counties have been postponed due to safety concerns.
The smoke is expected to gradually clear late Monday as upper-level winds shift.
Warnings remain in effect through 9 a.m. Monday, and additional advisories may be issued if conditions worsen.
