Minneapolis, MN – A brief but intense wave of smoke from wildfires will sweep across Minnesota today, significantly affecting air quality for a 2-5 hour period in the early afternoon. Residents in central and eastern Minnesota should expect degraded air quality as smoke moves southward from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, impacting outdoor activities.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the smoke will begin entering the state by 9 a.m. Friday and will continue moving southeastward throughout the day, dispersing as it reaches southern portions of the state. Areas like the Twin Cities, St. Cloud, and Duluth are expected to experience the thickest smoke between noon and 3 p.m. The MPCA recommends that residents, especially those with respiratory conditions, limit outdoor exposure during this time.
While the smoke will dissipate by evening, air quality could still be compromised in certain areas, especially near the central part of the state. Air quality monitoring is available on the Fire and Smoke Map (https://fire.airnow.gov/) for real-time updates.
Stay informed and adjust outdoor plans accordingly during the highest concentration of smoke. More updates may be issued if conditions change.
