Minnesotans continue to cope with smoky air conditions from Canadian wildfires

Minnesota continues to deal with the onslaught of smoke drifting south from Canadian wildfires.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is keeping its air quality alert in place for the entire state through Tuesday, and although Sunday was relatively clear compared to the past few days, the haze is still taking its toll on people exercising outdoors.

Minneapolis resident Bill Waldusky says he’s taking extra precautions due to the hazardous air conditions. He’s been wearing a mask because he has asthma and the smoke has been hard on him the last couple of days.

"I sometimes feel a little, I don’t know, scratchy, something in my throat," Waldusky said. "… Some people have it a lot worse than I do, and I think they have to be very careful."

The MPCA said Minnesota is experiencing an "unprecedented" air quality event. Fine particulate levels are high enough that the air is considered uhealthy, particularly for people with respiratory issues.