Air Quality Alert Upgraded: St. Cloud Now in Maroon, or Hazardous Category

Originally published July 15th, 2026 4:06 p.m.

Updated July 16th, 2026 5:48 a.m.

___

(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 maroon, or hazardous, air quality index category.

According to the MPCA, dense smoke is causing hazardous air conditions across central Minnesota. Hourly observations have already surpassed previous hourly records, and additional record readings are possible. Everyone is likely to be affected by wildfire smoke in these concentrations. Minor trace amounts of ashfall are likely and have been observed with the dense smoke.

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should remain indoors and keep activity levels low. The general public
should avoid all physical activities outdoors.

Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors.

Smoke will gradually retreat north and disperse, but is expected to remain in alert-level concentrations until at least Friday.

Smoke from large wildfires burning in the Arrowhead and southern Canada will continue to drift in through 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.

___