Minneapolis, Minn. – Heavy Canadian wildfire smoke is choking the skies over Minnesota today, triggering a statewide air quality alert until 11 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Sensitive groups are especially urged to limit time outdoors as fine particle pollution reaches unhealthy levels.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, smoke from Canadian wildfires began filtering into the state late Saturday and will continue drifting east throughout Sunday. The alert spans every Minnesota county, from the Twin Cities metro to Duluth, Mankato, St. Cloud, and Rochester. AQI levels are expected to reach the orange category, signaling conditions that may aggravate heart and lung conditions.
Cities like Alexandria, Winona, Worthington, Bemidji, and Hibbing are also under the advisory. The smoke follows a cold front sweeping across the region, but some areas may see improvement by late evening as cleaner air moves in from the west. However, another round of smoke could arrive Monday if winds shift.
Health officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity, especially for children, seniors, and those with asthma or heart disease. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors, use air purifiers, and close windows until conditions improve.
The air quality alert remains in effect through 11 p.m. Sunday, and officials may extend it if additional smoke from Manitoba or Saskatchewan wildfires moves in overnight.
