Poor Air Quality Alert Extended For Twin Cities Metro

TWIN CITIES, MN — The smoke-filled air from Canada's wildfires is now expected to stick around in Minnesota through Monday night.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency extended the air quality alert for the southern half of the state, including the Twin Cities metro area.

The red/unhealthy for all alert will now remain in effect until 11 p.m. on Monday. The previous alert was set to end at noon. The poor air quality is a result of migrating smoke from the forest fires in British Columbia, Canada.

The affected areas include the Twin Cities metro, Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Winona, Mankato, and Prairie Island.

"Heavy smoke will linger across southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro through the day on Monday," the PCA said.

"This band of smoke will slowly drift to the south throughout the day and air quality will begin improving from north to south within the alert area. Air quality should improve across the Twin Cities metro during the afternoon and the rest of southern Minnesota can expect improving air quality by the end of the day."

The air quality forecast shows healthy — or "green" levels — through at least Wednesday.

Find more information about the alert from the PCA below:

Red air quality: Unhealthy for everyone

Sights and smells: In areas where air quality is in the red AQI category due to wildfires, the sky may look smoky. The air will look hazy, and you won’t be able to see long distances. You may smell smoke.

Health effects: This air is unhealthy for everyone. Anyone may begin to experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Sensitive or more exposed individuals may experience more serious health effects, including worsening of existing heart or lung disease and respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, possibly leading to an asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.

What to do: Reduce outdoor physical activities, take more breaks, and avoid intense activities to reduce exposure. Sensitive and more exposed individuals should avoid prolonged or vigorous activities and consider shortening, rescheduling, or moving outdoor events inside.