Live updates: Wildfires in Minnesota

Hazardous air quality alert expands into Twin Cities, southern Minnesota

smoke in the cities 3
The Twin Cities are under a hazardous air quality alert due to wildfires in northern Minnesota. Smoke fills the air in the early morning on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Cait Kelley | MPR News

Much of eastern and central Minnesota from the tip of the Arrowhead to Red Wing is expected to see air quality through Friday considered hazardous, meaning all people should avoid outdoor activity and stay indoors, the latest Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says.

The MPCA alert posted late Wednesday night shows most of Minnesota expected to be under some kind of unhealthy air, with hazardous conditions now reaching deeper into the Twin Cities and southern Minnesota.

The poor air quality is being driven by smoke from wildfires in northeastern Minnesota.