Wildfire Smoke Prompts Statewide Air Quality Alert in Minnesota Through Monday Morning

(KNSI) – An air quality alert caused by wildfire smoke in Canada has been extended to 9:00 on Monday morning, and now covers the entire state of Minnesota.

Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue. Smoke particles are small enough that they can be breathed deeply into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This can lead to illnesses such as bronchitis or aggravate existing chronic heart and lung diseases, triggering heart palpitations, asthma attacks, heart attacks, and strokes.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says heavy ground smoke moved into northwest Minnesota early Friday morning behind a cold front. Air quality will worsen across northern Minnesota Friday evening as smoke arrives.

A second round of more widespread smoke moves in Friday evening and heads south overnight. By Saturday afternoon, the entire state may be impacted. The heaviest smoke will be across the northern half of the state.

Air quality will begin to improve Sunday morning as cleaner air moves in from the west. By Sunday evening, the smoke should be gone from most of the state. Another round of smoke is possible across far northern Minnesota Sunday night.

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