MINNEAPOLIS — Editor's Note: The attached video first aired in June 2023.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires is creeping down into Minnesota, triggering an air quality alert for much of the state through Monday.
The initial air quality alert was put in place Sunday at 11 a.m. through noon on Monday. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has since extended the alert for the southern half of the state through 11 p.m. on Monday night.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), heavy smoke from British Columbia moved into the northern parts of the state Sunday and is expected to reach southern Minnesota by Sunday afternoon.
People with asthma, those with heart disease, children, older adults and other sensitive groups, plus those who spend extended amounts of time outdoors, are advised to limit "prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors."
In a press release from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), some affected cities include:
- Brainerd
- Rochester
- St. Cloud
- Winona
- Bemidji
- East Grand Forks
- Moorhead
- International Falls
In a graphic posted on social media on Sunday morning, the air quality across Minnesota was in the red AQI category.
On Sunday morning, the smoke was visible from MnDOT traffic cameras in northern Minnesota. This tweet from the NWS shows smoky air near Cook.
The smoke will start to clear from northern Minnesota Sunday night into Monday. Southern Minnesota should see clearer air and a lower AQI by Monday afternoon.
Anyone experiencing health effects due to poor air quality should contact a doctor or other health care provider. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, like chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.
To help reduce the number of harmful particles in the air, MPCA recommends limiting activities like outdoor burning and use of wood-burning stoves at home. The agency also recommends fewer vehicle trips and less vehicle idling when possible.
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