Canadian Wildfire Smoke Is Once Again Coming To MN

MINNESOTA — Minnesota's air quality will once again dip this weekend due to incoming smoke from Canada's wildfires, according to the latest forecast from the state's Pollution Control Agency.

The forecast "has revolved on a possible smoke intrusion Friday into Saturday," the PCA said in its alert.

"Friday a cold front approaches from the west and behind the front both Canadian and American weather smoke models have smoke reaching the surface for several hours Friday evening into Saturday. It is looking increasingly likely than an air quality alert will be needed during this timeframe."

It's not completely clear yet how bad the air will be this weekend. The American models currently predict an upper-level orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) to lower red (unhealthy for all) air quality index category.

But the Canadian models predict red and purple (Very Unhealthy) air quality.

Check out current air quality conditions in the state on the PCA website.

Minnesota's air quality has suffered tremendously throughout the summer due to the devastating wildfires in Candata.

"With hundreds of wildfires burning from coast to coast, Canada is experiencing its most destructive wildfire season on record," states the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.

"The acreage burned in 2023 has surpassed the amount of land burned in 1989, which previously held Canada’s annual record. Canadian officials have declared a 'national preparedness level 5' in response to the wildfires, 'indicating full commitment of national resources is ongoing, demand for resources is extreme, and international resources are being mobilized.'"