An air quality alert originally set to expire Tuesday morning has been extended for much of Minnesota due to lingering smoke from wildfires. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) says southeastern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro, will remain under the alert until 4 p.m. Tuesday, while northern Minnesota will stay under the alert until 11 p.m. Wednesday.
The main reason for the extension is heavy ground-level smoke that continues to hang over southeastern Minnesota. This smoke is expected to slowly clear from the southern part of the state by Tuesday afternoon.
While the south sees improvement, the north is preparing for more smoke. According to the MPCA, another band of ground-level smoke is expected to arrive in parts of northern Minnesota on Tuesday morning. This smoke is likely to linger through Wednesday, although it is not expected to be as dense as the current conditions in the south.
Air Quality Forecast
On Tuesday, air quality in northern and southeastern Minnesota is forecast to be in the orange category, meaning it is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. This includes children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions, such as asthma.
For central and southern Minnesota, conditions are expected to gradually improve starting Tuesday afternoon and continuing through Thursday.
Local Impact
Minneapolis is experiencing some of the worst air quality in the world right now. As of Tuesday morning, the city ranked among the top three most polluted major cities globally.
At 10 a.m., Minneapolis had an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 120, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. For comparison, the city with the worst air quality at that time was Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo with an AQI of 144, followed by Jakarta, Indonesia with an AQI of 132.
What the Air Quality Index Means
The AQI measures how clean or polluted the air is. The orange category means the air is generally OK for most people, but those in sensitive groups should limit outdoor activities. This is because prolonged exposure can trigger symptoms like coughing, throat irritation, or breathing difficulties.
When the air is in the orange range:
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Sensitive individuals should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
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Everyone should consider limiting prolonged time outdoors, especially during heavy smoke hours.
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Keeping windows closed and using air purifiers can help reduce indoor smoke exposure.
Why It’s Happening
The poor air quality is due to smoke from wildfires. While the MPCA did not specify the exact source, much of the smoke affecting Minnesota this summer has come from wildfires burning in Canada and parts of the western United States.
Wildfire smoke contains a mix of gases and fine particles that can travel long distances. These particles can be harmful when inhaled, especially for people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
When Will It Improve?
The MPCA says southeastern Minnesota’s air should return to safer levels by late Tuesday afternoon, while the north may not see significant improvement until Thursday. This is because the incoming smoke in northern areas is expected to stall, slowing down the clearing process.
Central and southern Minnesota are likely to see gradual improvement starting Tuesday evening, with better air quality expected by midweek.
Stay Informed
Residents can monitor real-time air quality through the MPCA’s online air quality map or apps like IQAir. This helps determine whether it’s safe to spend extended time outdoors.
The MPCA advises paying close attention to alerts and adjusting daily activities accordingly until smoke conditions improve.
