An air quality warning has been issued for all of MN due to Canadian wildfires

Air quality warning issued for Minnesota until noon Monday (Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.

The warning is in effect until 12:00 p.m. Monday, May 13, when air quality is expected to reach the red (unhealthy) category across much of Minnesota.

According to the MPCA, a very heavy plume of smoke from wildfires in northeastern British Columbia moved into northern Minnesota on Sunday and will move south across the state behind a cold front, reaching southern Minnesota by Sunday evening. The smoke will clear and air quality will improve overnight in the northern half of the state, while it will persist in southern Minnesota through midday Monday.

In areas of the state that fall into the red category, the MPCA says everyone should avoid prolonged or strenuous exertion and limit the time they spend outdoors.