Air Quality Alert Issued for All of Minnesota Due to Wildfire Smoke Through Monday

MINNESOTA - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), in coordination with the National Weather Service Twin Cities, has issued a statewide Air Quality Alert through 6 p.m. Monday, June 2, due to an influx of wildfire smoke from Canada. Fine particle pollution levels are expected to reach unhealthy levels across the state, prompting health officials to urge Minnesotans to limit outdoor activities and take precautions to protect their health.

Air Quality Alert from the NWS Twin Cities.

What’s Happening

A cold front is funneling heavy smoke from large wildfires burning in Manitoba and Saskatchewan into Minnesota. This is forecast to be a prolonged smoke event, with multiple waves of smoke expected to move through the state over the weekend and into Monday. According to the MPCA, air quality may temporarily improve Saturday night and Sunday evening, but further deterioration is expected with additional smoke surges Sunday morning and again on Monday.

“The highest concentrations of smoke are expected Saturday afternoon, with another round Sunday morning and a third on Monday,” MPCA officials said. “This alert may be extended if conditions persist.”

In the video below, captured by NEXLAB’s GOES-East Satellite's True-Color Imagery for the Lake Superior Region, you can see the wildfire smoke being ushered southward across the Midwest on May 30, 2025, as indicated by the red circled area.

Air Quality Levels and Affected Areas

  • Northern Minnesota (including Duluth, Bemidji, Brainerd, Moorhead, Hibbing, Ely, International Falls, Roseau, and surrounding Tribal Nations) is expected to reach Red AQI levels, which are unhealthy for everyone.

  • Southern Minnesota (including the Twin Cities, Rochester, St. Cloud, Mankato, Worthington, and several Tribal Nations) will likely reach Orange AQI levels, which are unhealthy for sensitive groups.

What the Air Quality Index (AQI) Means

🔴 Red AQI (Unhealthy):

  • Impacts: Air is unhealthy for all people. Even healthy individuals may experience symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, or breathing difficulties. Those with pre-existing conditions may experience more severe symptoms.

  • What to do: Everyone should limit outdoor activities, especially prolonged or strenuous exertion. Vulnerable individuals should stay indoors and keep windows closed.

🟠 Orange AQI (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups):

  • Impacts: Air is particularly harmful for individuals with asthma, COPD, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, as well as children, older adults, and pregnant people.

  • What to do: Sensitive groups should avoid intense outdoor activity and monitor symptoms. Keep rescue inhalers or necessary medications nearby.

Who’s Most at Risk

Fine particle pollution from wildfire smoke can cause both short-term and long-term health effects. Those especially at risk include:

  • Individuals with asthma, COPD, or heart disease

  • Children and older adults

  • Pregnant people

  • Individuals who work or exercise outdoors

  • People without access to air conditioning or secure indoor ventilation

Smoke particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to bronchitis, heart attacks, or strokes in severe cases.

Health Recommendations

  • Stay indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed.

  • Use air conditioning with clean filters or portable HEPA air purifiers.

  • Avoid burning wood or candles indoors.

  • Limit outdoor physical exertion.

  • People with heart or lung conditions should follow their care plan and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.

  • If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately.

How to Stay Informed

  • Visit the MPCA’s current air quality webpage for real-time conditions.

  • Sign up for email and text alerts through EnviroFlash.

  • Download the EPA AirNow mobile app for on-the-go updates.

  • Learn more about air quality and health impacts at the Minnesota Department of Health wildfire smoke page.

With wildfire smoke expected to continue impacting air quality over the coming days, health officials are urging all Minnesotans, especially those in sensitive groups, to take steps to protect their health and minimize outdoor exposure. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe.


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