Air quality alert issued for majority of Minnesota through Thursday

KSTP
Hazy skies are seen in the Twin Cities on Tuesday night, July 20, 2021.[Wren Clair/KSTP]

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for northern, central and southeast Minnesota. The alert is active through 6 a.m. Thursday.

According to the MPCA, the affected areas include the following: Hibbing, International Falls, Bemidji, Roseau, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Brainerd, St. Cloud, the Twin Cities, Rochester, Mankato and the tribal areas of Leech Lake, Red Lake, Fond du Lac, Mille Lacs, Upper Sioux and Prairie Island.

Northerly winds are carrying heavy smoke from wildfires north of the Canadian border in Ontario and Manitoba over the border and into the northern U.S.

On Tuesday, fine particle levels are expected to remain in the Purple AQI category — a level considered very unhealthy for everyone — across the north-central part of the state. The MPCA says heavy smoke will remain in this area through Wednesday. Then on Wednesday, fine particle levels are expected to be in the Red AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across northern Minnesota.

People whose health is affected by unhealthy air quality include those who have asthma or other breathing conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; people who have heart disease or high blood pressure; children and other adults; and people of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors.

For more information on the latest alert and tips from the MPCA, click here.