Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Air quality alert lifted, but smoke may linger Monday

Southerly winds shift smoke north with hazy skies still possible

Wildfire smoke for Monday
Wildfire smoke for Monday
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

An air quality alert has officially been lifted, but wildfire smoke may still linger into Monday. Southerly winds are helping push much of the smoke northward, though hazy skies remain possible.

Lingering smoke concerns

Our air quality alert expired Monday morning as stronger southerly winds pushed the smoke northward, sending much of it back into Canada.

Wind speed and direction Monday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wind speed and direction Monday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

However, the most recent concern is a separate batch of wildfire smoke being pulled back into Minnesota from Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, circulating around this morning’s storm system.

Wildfire smoke for Monday
Wildfire smoke for Monday
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Wildfire smoke smell and hazy skies are possible today, especially as clouds begin to clear out following this morning’s convection.

Cloud cover Monday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Cloud cover Monday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
NOAA via College of DuPage Weather

Another air quality alert may be necessary if fine particle pollution persists longer than expected.

Monday’s air quality forecast shows the northern half of the state in the orange category, indicating conditions unhealthy for sensitive groups. Southwestern Minnesota is expected to remain in the green, or good, category, while the Twin Cities metro area is forecasted to experience moderate air quality levels.

Air quality forecast for Monday
Air quality forecast for Monday
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency