Temperatures will continue to fall over the next few days

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

An air quality alert remains in effect for most of Minnesota through noon Sunday.

The alert is the result of smoke from Canadian wildfires drifting across the region. The 

 that smoke is increasing the amount of fine particles in the air to unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.

Sensitive groups include people who have asthma or other breathing conditions; people with heart disease or high blood pressure; children and the elderly; and people of all ages who are taking part in extended, heavy physical activity outdoors.

The alert extends from the Twin Cities, Rochester and Mankato north to Duluth, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Bemidji and Moorhead. The only part of the state not included in the alert is far southwestern Minnesota. 

The MPCA said the smoke plume is from fires in British Columbia, Alberta and northwestern Ontario. The smoky haze was visible across much of the state on Saturday, reducing visibilities and contributing to a bright orange-pink sunrise. 

An expected shift in the wind on Sunday should improve the air quality.

Weather and Climate News

MPR News Staff

Author

Smoke from western wildfires has been creating a thick haze and lowering air quality across much of Minnesota.

Photos: Smoky skies in Minnesota

Go Deeper.

Like this?