More Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Could Reach Twin Cities By Thursday

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — If you're in the Twin Cities and enjoying clear skies, don’t get too comfortable. Another wall of smoke from Canadian wildfires is expected to spread southeast later this week, and the metro could be in its path.

On Tuesday, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued a red-level air quality alert, a designation that means air is unhealthy for everyone, for northwest Minnesota.

The alert runs from 6 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, through 11 p.m. Friday, July 25, and includes East Grand Forks, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Red Lake and White Earth.

But the bad air likely won’t stay put: "Smoke will reach northeast, central, and southwest Minnesota by Thursday afternoon," the MPCA said. "The alert will likely need to be expanded for Thursday."

That could include the Twin Cities.

What’s Causing It?

A large band of smoke from wildfires burning in Saskatchewan and Manitoba is moving into Minnesota. A stationary front is expected to trap the smoke in the northwestern part of the state through Wednesday before winds shift and drive the smoke southeast Thursday and Friday.

Who’s At Risk?

Fine particle pollution in the red AQI category is dangerous for everyone, not just people with preexisting conditions. Symptoms may include:

• Coughing or irritated eyes
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Worsening of heart or lung issues
• Possible asthma attacks or strokes

Those Most At Risk:

• People with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or diabetes
• Pregnant individuals
• Children and older adults
• Outdoor workers and athletes
• Anyone in housing without A/C or proper filtration

What To Do

If smoke does reach the metro on Thursday, or wherever you are in Minnesota:

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
• Use filtered air (A/C or air purifiers) if available
• Reschedule events or exercise plans
• Call your doctor if you feel your symptoms worsening
• Dial 911 for emergency breathing or heart-related symptoms

What’s Next?

Air quality may gradually improve Friday afternoon as southerly winds push the smoke back north. But until then, state officials are urging all Minnesotans, especially those in the metro, to prepare for deteriorating conditions.