Toxic Campfire Smell Blankets Twin Cities As Rain Mixes With Smoke

MINNESOTA — Rain is falling across the Twin Cities, but it’s not clearing the air. In fact, the National Weather Service says the smoke is sticking around, and in some areas, rain may be making it worse.

“If we only had smoke before the rain – typically yes," NWS Twin Cities posted on X in response to a resident asking if the rain would help. "But since there is also smoke behind the front, it filters right back down for us."

In a separate reply, the agency told another user: "You likely have some smoke mixing down with the rain."

A statewide air quality alert remains in effect through 9 a.m. Wednesday, with red-level (unhealthy) air quality impacting the Twin Cities and even more dangerous levels recorded in greater Minnesota.

What’s Happening Now

• A statewide air quality alert is in effect through Wednesday morning
• Maroon-level AQI (the most dangerous rating) is active in northwest Minnesota
• Red-level AQI (unhealthy for everyone) is impacting the Twin Cities metro
• Rain and storms are pulling wildfire smoke down to ground level
• Visibility is reduced, and the air smells strongly of smoke across much of the state

What Maroon-Level Air Means

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency:

“This air is hazardous for everyone. Most people will have irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone could experience serious heart and lung effects such as asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.”

Areas Currently Affected

• Maroon AQI: East Grand Forks, Roseau, Red Lake — stay indoors; all outdoor activity should be avoided
• Purple AQI: Brainerd, Bemidji, Moorhead — very unhealthy, especially for sensitive groups
• Red AQI: Twin Cities metro, St. Cloud, Duluth, Mankato — unhealthy for all individuals
• Orange AQI: Rochester, Worthington — unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and people with asthma or heart disease

Twin Cities Forecast (NWS)

• Monday: Showers and thunderstorms. High near 67. Widespread smoke throughout the day
• Monday night: Smoke lingers through the evening. Low near 54
• Tuesday: Gradual clearing, but hazy conditions may continue
• Wednesday: Sunny, high near 78. Air quality is expected to improve

What to Do Now

• Stay indoors, especially if you are in a sensitive group (asthma, heart disease, older adults, pregnant women, children)
• Avoid outdoor physical activity, including exercise or manual labor
• Keep windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning if available
• Use air purifiers or set HVAC systems to recirculate
• Limit driving and reduce idling vehicles to avoid contributing to pollution

For many Minnesotans, this is not a typical air quality advisory. Maroon-level alerts are rare and signal a serious risk to health for all Minnesotans, including people without underlying conditions. The smoke isn’t just visible, it’s in the air you're breathing, and it’s not going anywhere just yet.

Stay indoors. Pay attention to official updates. And take this seriously.