'Unhealthy For Everyone': Twin Cities Under 'Red' Air Quality Alert

MINNESOTA — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the entire state. The alert is in effect now through Friday at 6 a.m.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the "red" air quality index category in the Twin Cities metro area and beyond, which means the air will be "unhealthy for everyone" according to officials.

Elsewhere in the state will be under an "orange" warning.

"A band of very heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in northern Alberta and Saskatchewan is currently moving along a cold front in northwestern Minnesota," the MPCA said in its warning.

"The smoke will continue to move south and east and eventually impact the entire state of Minnesota."

Residents are encouraged to reduce outdoor physical activities, take more breaks, and avoid intense activities to reduce exposure. Sensitive and more exposed individuals are urged to reschedule or shorten outdoor events.

Minnesotans may smell and see smoke throughout the day, and may not be able to see long distances. The smoke is expected to clear "rapidly" overnight into Friday morning.

Areas under Red AQI (unhealthy for everyone)

• Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, St. Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead, East Grand Forks, Roseau, Bemidji, Alexandria, Marshall, Ortonville, Worthington, and the tribal nations of Red Lake and Mille Lacs.

"In the red area, everyone should avoid prolonged time outdoors," the MPCA said.

Areas under Orange AQI (unhealthy for sensitive groups)

• Rochester, Duluth, Ely, International Falls, Two Harbors, and the tribal nations of Fond du Lac and Grand Portage.

"In the orange area, sensitive groups should avoid prolonged time outdoors," officials warned.