Minnesota’s first air quality warning of 2024 is issued as Canadian wildfires send smoke south

MINNEAPOLIS – More than 80 active wildfires are burning across Canada send wildfire smoke back to Minnesota and Wisconsin on Sunday. The smoke has triggered an air quality warning for all of Minnesota – the first of 2024.

The warning is in effect until 8 a.m. Monday in northern Minnesota and until noon in southern Minnesota. Air quality is expected to reach the red level on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s scale, which is considered unhealthy for all. The MPCA recommends limiting outdoor activities

Hazy skies and the smell of smoke have already been reported across northern Minnesota.

Air quality was also significantly affected. As of 10 a.m., an air quality index of 174 was reported in Beltrami County (Red Lake) and 157 in Clay County (Moorhead). According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, these levels are considered “unhealthy” levels.

NEXT Weather meteorologist Adam Del Rosso said a cold front will move smoke south throughout the day, eventually reaching the Twin Cities around 5 or 6 p.m. He says the smoke will last through the night and into Monday morning before finally dissipating on Monday night.

For the third time in a row Watch the northern lights may be possible throughout Minnesota. Del Rosso said smoke from the wildfire will not significantly affect the visibility of the lights.

Officials predict another summer full of smoke and poor air quality In Minnesota, however, it won’t be quite as severe as last year, when 22 air quality warnings were issued.