Air quality warning issued for Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS – Editor’s Note: The attached video first aired in June 2023.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires is making its way into Minnesota, triggering an air quality warning across much of the state through Monday morning.

An air quality warning is in effect from 11am on Sunday, May 12th to 12pm on Monday, May 13th.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), heavy smoke from British Columbia moved into northern parts of the state on Sunday and is expected to reach southern Minnesota by Sunday afternoon.

People with asthma, those with heart disease, children, older adults and other sensitive groups, as well as those who spend long periods of time outdoors, are advised to limit “prolonged or heavy exertion and time outdoors.”

In a press release from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the cities affected include:

• Brainerd
• Rochester
• St Cloud
• Winona
• Bemidji
• East Grand Forks
• Moorhead
• International waterfalls

In a graphic posted to social media Sunday morning, air quality across Minnesota was in the red AQI category.

On Sunday morning, smoke was visible from MnDOT traffic cameras in northern Minnesota. This tweet from the NWS shows smoky air near Cook.

The smoke will begin to clear from northern Minnesota Sunday night into Monday. Southern Minnesota should see clearer air and a lower AQI by Monday afternoon.

Anyone experiencing health effects due to poor air quality should contact a doctor or other healthcare provider. If you experience severe symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.

To reduce the number of harmful particles in the air, MPCA recommends limiting activities such as outdoor burning and using wood stoves at home. The agency also recommends driving fewer vehicle trips and idling less when possible.

Learn more about air quality alerts here.

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