Air Quality Alert Upgraded: St. Cloud Now in “Very Unhealthy” Purple Category

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has expanded and upgraded an air quality alert as wildfire smoke continues pushing south, with central Minnesota now expected to reach the purple air quality index category, a level considered very unhealthy for everyone.

Originally, St. Cloud was expected to be in the red category, or unhealthy for everyone. The new alert went into effect at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and runs until 11:00 a.m. on Friday. It covers most of the state, including St. Cloud, the Twin Cities, and Alexandria.

In the purple category, everyone should stay indoors and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. Anyone could experience serious heart and lung effects, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, or strokes. Officials say the ongoing heat will make health impacts worse during periods of poor air quality.

Smoke from large wildfires burning in the Arrowhead and southern Canada will continue drifting into Thursday morning, with additional rounds of heavy smoke possible through Friday morning. A cold front is forecast to bring in cleaner air by then, though the MPCA says the alert may need to be extended for parts of the state.

Conditions are forecast to be even more severe to the north and east, where fine particle levels are expected to reach the maroon category, considered hazardous for everyone. That area includes Brainerd, Hinckley, Duluth, and much of northeastern Minnesota, where residents are urged to avoid any outdoor activity.

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