Spreading MN Wildfire Could Worsen Air Quality Sunday

WASECA, MN — A wildfire located just north of Waseca may worsen air quality across the region on Sunday, including the Twin Cities metro area, weather officials said.

Level-orange "AQI" is possible. See a live map here.

However, a cold front will move through the area later this evening and push the smoke to the southeast, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

A wildfire is located north of Waseca, MN and may create air quality impacts this afternoon along the I-35 corridor from the Twin Cities to Waseca. A cold front will move through the area later this evening and push the smoke to the SE. Orange AQI is possible. #mnwx #AQI pic.twitter.com/9KNFdvmqkj
— MN Air Quality Index (@mpca_aqi) March" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://twitter.com/mpca_aqi/s... 3, 2024

The wildfire is producing radar returns and hotspots on satellite imagery, and Red Flag conditions are in effect thanks to gusty winds and low humidity, according to the National Weather Service.

Storm chaser Reilly Dibble has video and images of the fire, as does Skywarn Spotter Brandon Schultz.