Minneapolis, Minnesota – Heavy wildfire smoke blanketing Minnesota is causing unhealthy air quality levels across the Twin Cities and much of the state, prompting officials to urge residents—especially those with health conditions—to stay indoors until at least 5 p.m. Saturday.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, northerly winds are pushing dense smoke from Canadian wildfires southward, elevating the Air Quality Index into the Red or “Unhealthy” category for all of central, south central, and southeastern Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, and Mankato. The alert covers all 87 counties and remains in effect until late Saturday afternoon, with some improvement expected only after winds shift and smoke disperses.
Sensitive groups, including people with asthma, heart or lung disease, children, and older adults, may feel the effects first—coughing, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Residents should avoid strenuous activity, close windows, and run air conditioning on recirculate. Outdoor burning, lawn mowing, and unnecessary travel should be limited to reduce added pollution.
Visibility may also drop below five miles at times, impacting commutes and air travel around MSP International Airport. This widespread smoke event is Minnesota’s most severe so far this summer, reminiscent of similar conditions in 2021.
The air quality alert may be extended if conditions don’t improve, with further updates expected Saturday morning. Residents can monitor real-time air quality at pca.state.mn.us.
Five Day Hyper-Local Forecast for Minneapolis
- Tonight: Areas of smoke, low near 59°F. Winds east at 5 mph, becoming calm.
- Friday: Areas of smoke, mostly sunny, high 79°F. Winds southeast at 5 mph.
- Saturday: Smoke before 8 a.m., clearing to mostly sunny, high 78°F. Light southeast winds.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, high 77°F. South winds 5–10 mph.
- Monday: 20% chance of showers, mostly sunny, high 79°F. South winds 5–10 mph.
