(KNSI) – As heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to blanket the state, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert through 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 2nd.
Health officials are advising all Minnesotans to reduce outdoor physical activities and avoid intense outdoor exercise during the alert period.
Northerly winds are pushing waves of wildfire smoke from Manitoba and Saskatchewan into the state, continuing what has already been a very smoke-filled summer. The fine particulate matter is expected to move south and linger through Saturday afternoon, with conditions worsened by a high-pressure system creating light winds that limit smoke dispersion.
The most severely affected areas, including St. Cloud, Alexandria, Brainerd, Duluth, the Twin Cities metro and numerous other communities, are expected to reach the red Air Quality Index category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone. In areas with poor air quality, people will notice a smoky sky, hazy conditions with reduced visibility, and the distinct smell of smoke. The bad air could lead to irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing and chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Those in the red zones should spend as little time outside as possible.
Meanwhile, the southern third of the state, including Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Winona, and Mankato are expected to experience orange AQI conditions, which are unhealthy for sensitive groups. That means while healthy people may experience fewer effects, sensitive groups could face chest pain, wheezing, coughing, and fatigue. Vulnerable populations include people with asthma or other breathing conditions, those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, pregnant individuals, children, and older adults. Outdoor workers and those without air conditioning face increased exposure risks.
Air quality conditions are expected to improve on Saturday afternoon as weather patterns shift.
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