Prompts winter weather advisories as cold air moves in Friday night

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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.

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

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

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.

Weather and Climate News

Updraft® - Minnesota Weather News

Mandy Thalhuber

Author

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.


Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Wind speed and direction Monday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Air quality alert lifted, but smoke may linger Monday

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