Statewide Air Quality Alert Extended Until Noon Wednesday

(KNSI) — An air quality alert due to smoke from large wildfires in Canada blowing into Minnesota has been extended to noon on Wednesday.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says the air is unsafe for some people to breathe. It will be in the orange category or unhealthy for sensitive groups. This includes anyone with lung problems like asthma or COPD, people with heart disease, children, and older adults. For those in that category, experts say to stay inside when possible and avoid heavy exercise or outdoor activities. Keep windows and doors closed, and use air conditioning in recirculate mode if available.

A thick layer of smoke moved into northwest Minnesota Monday morning following a cold front. As the front moves southeast, the smoke will spread across the state—reaching central Minnesota Monday afternoon and southern Minnesota by Monday evening.

Rain is expected in central Minnesota Monday evening, but it likely won’t do much to improve air quality. The smoke is expected to clear by Wednesday morning, with air quality improving to safe levels afterward.

Forecasters warn this won’t be the end, though. Calling it a “long duration event,” wildfire smoke issues may persist through the summer.

___