Duluth, Minn. – Canadian wildfire smoke combined with stagnant air is pushing air quality into the Very Unhealthy range across parts of northern Minnesota, prompting health alerts through the weekend.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Air Quality Alerts are in effect for the entire Northland. The highest concern centers on St. Louis County, where pollution levels have reached the Very Unhealthy category along the North Shore, including areas near Hwy 133 east to Clover Valley.
The alerts remain in place until 5 p.m. Saturday, August 2, in Minnesota and until noon Wednesday, July 31, in Wisconsin. Residents are urged to limit outdoor activity, especially sensitive groups like children, seniors, and those with respiratory conditions.
Cities under the alert include Duluth, Ely, Hibbing, and Two Harbors, where visibility may drop and breathing difficulties could increase. The persistent smoke layer is trapping pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating conditions.
Officials advise keeping windows closed, running air purifiers if available, and checking local AQI levels before spending time outside.
Additional alerts may follow if smoke continues to drift in from Canada, with little atmospheric change expected before the weekend.
