Air Quality Alert issued for all of Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota.

The alert runs until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025.

The highest levels of alert are for Northern Minnesota.

That includes the areas to the north of the Alexandria, St Cloud, and Hinkley.

Heavy ground-level smoke from wildfires in central Canada moved into northwest Minnesota early Friday morning behind a cold front.

AQI Alert On 07/11/2025

(Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)

This first band of smoke started impacting northern Minnesota during the day Friday.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the purple air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered very unhealthy for everyone, across northern Minnesota.

This area includes Brainerd, Alexandria, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac. In the purple area, everyone should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and stay indoors. Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across central Minnesota

Purple air quality: Very unhealthy

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

Health effects: This air is very unhealthy for everyone. Anyone could experience serious heart and lung effects such as asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.

What to do:  Avoid prolonged or vigorous outdoor activity. Consider rescheduling sports and other outdoor events or moving them inside. Sensitive individuals should avoid all outdoor physical activity.