ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota until 9 a.m. on Monday.
Heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in central Canada moved into northwest Minnesota early Friday morning behind a cold front.
A second round of smoke will be more widespread as it moves southeast.
Air quality will begin to improve across western Minnesota Sunday morning as cleaner air moves in from the west. By Sunday evening, the smoke should be gone from most of the state. Another round of smoke is possible across far northern Minnesota Sunday night.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the purple air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered very unhealthy for everyone, across northern Minnesota. The area includes Brainerd, Alexandria, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac. In the purple area, everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and stay indoors.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across central Minnesota. The area includes the Twin Cities metro area, St. Cloud, Ortonville, and the Tribal Nations of Upper Sioux and Prairie Island. In the red area, sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across southern Minnesota. That area includes Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Winona, and Mankato. In the orange area, sensitive groups should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.
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