Adverse Health Impacts Possible As Quick-Hitting & Dense Wildfire Smoke Moves In

Several wildfires have developed over southern Canada since Thursday, and a passing cold front will bring in smoke from the wildfires here into the Northland. Smoke has already entered northern Minnesota this morning and will continue to propagate southeast behind the cold front. The wildfire smoke is expected to arrive around the Iron Range at about noon, the Twin Ports around 1-2 PM, and continue through the rest of the Northland this afternoon, with the smoke arriving in the eastern portions of northwest Wisconsin by the time of the afternoon/evening commute. This will be quick-hitting, lasting roughly an hour or two, but can have impacts in communities and for individuals outside during this time.

A noticeable drop in visibility will occur due to the dense nature of the smoke, with reports from Canada of visibility dropping to about 1 mile. Air quality will also drop significantly, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of over 200 having been reported from Winnipeg, Canada. This falls into the very unhealthy category of air quality, meaning that this can have adverse health conditions for everyone who is out for an extended period, but those with health conditions or are otherwise sensitive to poorer air quality should take extra caution. It is recommended to make plans for today around when the wildfire smoke will arrive, attempting to be indoors when the smoke moves in and having outdoor activities before the smoke arrives or after it departs. Due to the wildfire smoke being along a narrow band that will be quick-hitting, Air Quality Alerts are not anticipated to be issued.