St. Paul, MN – A statewide Air Quality Alert is in effect across Minnesota through noon Monday as Canadian wildfire smoke continues to blanket the region, triggering elevated levels of PM2.5 pollution.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the advisory begins at 12 a.m. Saturday and will last through 12 p.m. Monday. Unhealthy air is expected across the entire state, with Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups conditions widespread and pockets of Unhealthy air possible, especially in northern and central Minnesota.
The heaviest smoke is forecast to impact northern cities like Duluth, Bemidji, and International Falls early Saturday, with the haze moving south toward the Twin Cities and Rochester by midday. Sensitive individuals—including children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions—are advised to limit outdoor exertion and stay indoors where possible.
Sunday may bring marginal improvement, but PM2.5 concentrations are expected to remain above safe levels in many areas. Officials urge residents to keep windows closed, run indoor air filtration if available, and monitor symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
This alert remains in effect statewide through Monday at noon. Real-time air updates are available at mn.gov/pca/air.
