Minneapolis, MN – Residents across the Twin Cities should brace for unhealthy air quality through Tuesday morning as heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets much of Minnesota. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency warns that the Air Quality Index will reach the Red category, posing health risks for sensitive groups and the general public.
According to the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, smoke from wildfires in Saskatchewan and Manitoba will move into western Minnesota Sunday morning, spreading eastward into the evening. The thick haze will linger into early Tuesday, affecting travel visibility and outdoor air safety from Rochester to St. Cloud and Duluth.
Health officials advise those with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions to limit outdoor activity, especially during peak afternoon hours Monday. Residents are urged to close windows overnight, reduce vehicle use, and avoid burning wood or other materials that could worsen air pollution.
The smoky conditions are expected to clear by midday Tuesday as winds shift, but additional air quality alerts could be issued if wildfire activity continues in Canada.
Five Day Forecast for Minneapolis, MN:
- Monday: Mostly sunny with areas of smoke. High 84°F, low 68°F.
- Tuesday: Sunny, improving air quality by late morning. High 82°F, low 61°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly clear, slight chance of showers overnight. High 82°F, low 64°F.
- Thursday: 20% chance of showers, partly sunny. High 83°F, low 70°F.
- Friday: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 82°F, low 71°F.
