St. Cloud, Minn. – Wildfire smoke drifting from Canada is blanketing Minnesota and Wisconsin, pushing air quality into “unhealthy” levels through at least midweek and prompting health warnings for millions.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, PM2.5 pollution from Manitoba and Saskatchewan wildfires has triggered statewide Air Quality Alerts. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to hit Red (Unhealthy) levels in northern Minnesota and northern Wisconsin, with Orange to Red levels extending across central and southern regions through Wednesday night in Minnesota and until noon Thursday in Wisconsin.
Residents in Duluth, Brainerd, Eau Claire, and Green Bay are already experiencing thick haze and smoky odors. Winds are transporting dense smoke southward, worsening conditions by Wednesday morning across the Twin Cities, La Crosse, and Madison.
Officials recommend staying indoors with windows closed, especially for children, older adults, and those with asthma or heart disease. The general public should limit outdoor activity and avoid intense exertion. Those experiencing shortness of breath or fatigue should seek medical attention.
While minor improvements in air quality are possible Thursday, officials warn that smoke could return by Friday. For updates, visit airquality.wi.gov or pca.state.mn.us.
