Air Quality Alert in Place For Sunday

(KNSI) – Wildfire smoke from Canada is once again covering the state with sooty air.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is warning that all 87 counties are looking at an air quality alert in the orange category for Sunday. The alert is due to particulates in the air, such as ash. Strong winds out of the northwest are pushing the smoke in from Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The alert runs until 11:00 p.m., but officials warn a second batch of smoke is possible, which could extend the expiration until Monday. Orange means the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups like the very young, the elderly, and those with respiratory or heart diseases.

The MPCA’s extended forecast shows air quality alerts could be needed again on Wednesday.

___