Air Quality Alert Set To Expire Friday For Most Of Minnesota

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says air quality is set to improve across most of the state Friday, though the alert covering wildfire smoke will continue through the weekend in the northeast.

The agency's alert, in effect since 3 p.m. Thursday for east central, central, west central, southeast, north central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota, is scheduled to expire at 11 a.m. Friday for most of the state as a low pressure system moves through the region.

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Heavy smoke will continue to disperse and retreat north through Friday morning, with air quality improving from south to north, according to the agency.

Northeastern Minnesota, including Hinckley, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, and Duluth, will remain under the alert into the weekend as smoke lingers longer there. The agency also cautioned that additional smoke could move back into Minnesota as soon as Saturday.

At the alert's peak, fine particle levels reached the maroon air quality index category, the most severe rating and one considered hazardous for everyone, across east central and northeast Minnesota.

Purple category air, considered very unhealthy for everyone, covered east central, central, north central, and northwest Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro, Brainerd, St. Cloud, Bemidji, and International Falls.

Red category air, considered unhealthy for everyone, extended across east central, west central, southeast, northwest, central, and north central Minnesota.

The alert covered a wide area of the state, including the Twin Cities metro, Brainerd, Alexandria, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Winona, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, and Roseau, along with the Mille Lacs, Prairie Island, Leech Lake, White Earth, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac Tribal Nations.

Health officials say people with asthma or other breathing conditions, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes, as well as pregnant people, children, and older adults, face higher risk from the smoke.

People who work or exercise outdoors, and those without air conditioning or stable housing, are also considered at higher risk.

Anyone experiencing health effects related to poor air quality should contact a health care provider, and those with chest pain, trouble breathing, or possible heart attack or stroke symptoms should call 911 immediately, the agency said.

Residents can check current conditions through the MPCA's Air Quality Index webpage or the EPA's AirNow app.

READ MORE: Minnesota Wildfire Map: See Perimeters, Evacuation Areas