Poor Air Quality Warning Extended for Twin Cities Metro

TWIN CITIES, MN – The smoke-filled air from the Canadian wildfires is expected to linger in Minnesota through Monday evening.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has expanded the air quality advisory for the southern half of the state, including the Twin Cities metro area.

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The Red/Unhealthy for All warning will now remain in effect until 11pm Monday. The previous warning was set for noon. The poor air quality is due to smoke from wildfires in British Columbia, Canada.

Affected areas include the Twin Cities Metro, Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Winona, Mankato and Prairie Island.

“Heavy smoke will linger throughout the day Monday across southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro,” the PCA said.

“This smoke band will slowly drift southwards throughout the day and air quality will improve from north to south within the alert area. Air quality should improve throughout the Twin Cities metro area throughout the afternoon, and the rest of southern Minnesota is expected to improve air quality by the end of the day.”

More information about the PCA’s warning can be found below:

Red air quality: Unhealthy for everyone

Sights and smells: In areas where air quality is in the red AQI category due to wildfires, skies may appear smoky. The air looks hazy and you can’t see long distances. You may smell smoke.

Health effects: This air is unhealthy for everyone. Anyone may experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose and throat, cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath. Sensitive or more exposed people may experience more serious health effects, including worsening of existing heart or lung disease, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular disease, potentially leading to an asthma attack, heart attack or stroke.

What to do: Reduce outdoor physical activity, take more breaks, and avoid vigorous activity to reduce exposure. Sensitive and more exposed people should avoid prolonged or strenuous activities and consider shortening, postponing or moving outdoor events indoors.