Duluth, Minnesota – Wildfire smoke from Canada is blanketing Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, pushing air quality into the “unhealthy” category through at least Saturday afternoon, prompting statewide alerts and health warnings.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Air Quality Alert remains in effect for all of Minnesota until 5 p.m. Saturday, August 2, and for Wisconsin until noon Friday, August 1. Red-level AQI (Air Quality Index) readings mean the air is unsafe for the general population, especially vulnerable groups like children, older adults, and those with respiratory conditions.
Cities including Duluth, Minneapolis, Rochester, Mankato, Bemidji, and St. Cloud are experiencing prolonged exposure to heavy surface smoke drifting in from wildfires in central Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Poor atmospheric dispersion caused by high pressure is trapping smoke across the region, and relief isn’t expected until winds shift out of the south on Saturday.
Residents should limit outdoor activity, avoid strenuous exercise, and keep windows closed. Air purifiers and N95 masks are recommended for those in heavily affected zones.
Conditions may ease by Sunday, but air quality alerts could be extended if smoke remains dense.
