Minneapolis, Minn. – Thick wildfire smoke drifting in from the Dakotas will blanket much of Minnesota by Monday morning, prompting an Air Quality Alert through 9 a.m. Tuesday. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency warns fine particle levels could reach unhealthy ranges for sensitive groups across the state, with visibility also reduced in some areas.
According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest smoke will first enter western Minnesota late Sunday afternoon and evening, pushing eastward overnight. By early Monday, most of the state will be under smoky skies, with the densest conditions in central and southern Minnesota. Eastern Minnesota may not see the heaviest smoke until Monday morning, with gradual clearing from west to east through Tuesday.
Residents are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially children, older adults, and those with heart or lung conditions. Keeping windows closed and using air conditioning or portable air filters can help reduce indoor exposure.
Conditions will improve by Tuesday afternoon, with mostly sunny skies expected midweek. Storm chances return Wednesday night, bringing potential relief and improved air quality into the weekend.
