MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Millions across central and southern Minnesota are being urged to take precautions as a dense cloud of smoke from Canadian wildfires is set to blanket the region, sending air quality into the “Unhealthy” (Red) category beginning midnight Thursday through 11 p.m. Friday.
According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the smoke originates from wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and will surge southward overnight.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to rise well into levels considered hazardous for sensitive individuals—and potentially unhealthy for the general population.
Cities Affected
By Thursday morning, the smoke is expected to move into:
- Twin Cities
- St. Cloud
- Mankato
By Thursday afternoon, the smoke will expand across:
- East Central and South Central Minnesota
- Albert Lea
- Alexandria
- Apple Valley
- Stillwater
MPCA officials note that while there is some uncertainty about how far south the densest smoke will reach, most of the region will experience significantly reduced air quality throughout the day.
Health Risks and Safety Precautions
Health authorities warn that smoke exposure can trigger serious symptoms, particularly in:
- Children
- Elderly individuals
- People with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions
The MPCA advises the public to:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Close windows and doors to prevent indoor smoke infiltration
- Run air purifiers or use HVAC systems with clean filters
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
- Wear N95 masks if outdoor travel is unavoidable
- Avoid burning wood or idling vehicles, which can worsen local air quality
In particular, schools and child care centers are encouraged to cancel or limit outdoor activities, including recess or athletic practices.
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Travel and Outdoor Work Impact
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) may issue additional advisories for:
- Outdoor workers
- Commercial drivers
- Roadway safety, especially if visibility declines due to thick smoke
Motorists are advised to keep headlights on and stay alert to changing conditions, particularly in open or rural areas where smoke may settle more heavily.
When Will Conditions Improve?
Forecasters expect gradual improvement Friday afternoon into the evening, starting in the southern part of the state as winds begin to shift.
However, officials caution that residual smoke may linger into the weekend, and further air quality alerts are possible if the wind carries additional smoke southward.
Stay updated through official sources like the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, National Weather Service, and local public health departments as conditions develop.
