Crookston, Minn. – Residents in northwest Minnesota should brace for poor air quality starting early Wednesday as wildfire smoke from Canada pushes south, prompting a Red-level Air Quality Alert through 11 p.m. Friday.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a dense band of smoke from Saskatchewan and Manitoba will settle over the region beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach “Unhealthy” levels, particularly affecting sensitive groups such as older adults, children, and those with heart or lung conditions.
The stationary front over northern Minnesota will trap the smoke locally through Wednesday before shifting eastward Thursday, sending smoke across central, northeast, and southwest regions. Cities including Crookston, East Grand Forks, Roseau, and tribal nations like Red Lake and White Earth will see the heaviest impacts.
Health officials urge the public to avoid outdoor exertion, keep windows shut, and minimize driving or wood burning. Residents should consider using indoor air purifiers and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
By Friday afternoon, shifting winds from the south may help disperse the smoke, but air quality could remain poor across much of the state into the evening. Additional alerts may follow Thursday depending on how the smoke moves.
