Smoke from Canadian wildfires affects Minnesota

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is affecting air quality across Minnesota.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says monitors across the state are measuring elevated levels of fine particle pollution. Satellite imagery indicates the Canadian smoke is blanketing much of Minnesota.

The MPCA says it's not issuing an air quality advisory yet. The air quality index in the Twin Cities and Rochester is still in the moderate range, but even that can affect sensitive individuals.

Hazy skies are expected to persist throughout the day, and the MPCA says there may be isolated areas of dense smoke.

Winds are expected to shift to southerly tomorrow Thursday, which may carry additional wildfire smoke into Minnesota from fires in the Central Plains.

Air pollution levels are expected to remain elevated through Friday evening.