Northern Minnesota under air quality alert Tuesday due to Canadian wildfire smoke
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Wildfire smoke that's drifting south from Canada made its way into northern Minnesota Tuesday, leading to a one-day air quality alert.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) put the alert into effect Tuesday from 4 a.m. til 4 p.m., for the state's northern half – including communities as far south as Alexandria and Hinckley – and the tribal nations of Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs and Red Lake.
People whose health may be most impacted are children and elders, as well as those with asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and pregnant women.
Those with an increased risk of exposure include anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, including those out exercising and playing sports, manual laborers, and residents who keep their windows open for circulation.
The haze even made its way to the Twin Cities, causing striking sunsets. WCCO News' NEXT Weather Team says winds will shift Wednesday, giving Minnesota a little relief. But expect more smoke and haze to return Thursday.
Click here to visit the MPCA's website, which includes the latest air quality conditions, and click here to visit the Minnesota Department of Health's wildfire smoke website for more information on how to stay safe.