Duluth, MN – Thick wildfire smoke is expected to continue impacting the Northland through the end of the workweek, prompting air quality alerts across large portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin as pollution levels reach unhealthy and hazardous categories.
According to the National Weather Service in Duluth, air quality alerts issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) remain in effect due to smoke from wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota and Ontario, Canada.
The alert is in effect through noon Thursday in Wisconsin and until 11 a.m. CDT Friday in Minnesota.
Forecasters warn that air quality is expected to reach Very Unhealthy (Purple) and Hazardous (Maroon) levels across much of the Northland, including portions of northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Smoke is expected to linger over the region through much of the remainder of the workweek.
Health officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, especially for children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions. Sensitive groups are encouraged to remain indoors as much as possible, keeping windows and doors closed if practical.
Residents who must spend time outside are encouraged to reduce physical exertion and monitor for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or eye irritation. Those with underlying health conditions should follow guidance from their healthcare providers if symptoms worsen.
Officials urge residents to monitor the latest air quality conditions through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, as alert areas and air quality levels may change depending on smoke movement.
