Most of Minnesota will have ‘Unhealthy Air’ until Saturday afternoon

DULUTH, Min.  – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota.

Most of the state will be in the “Unhealth Air” category until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

Effective 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 parts of Minnesota north of Mankato are in the Red Alert status.

Air Quality Alert 07/29/25

(Minnesota Pollution Control Agency)

Northerly winds will continue transporting waves of heavy surface smoke from wildfires across Manitoba and Saskatchewan into Minnesota.

Smoke will move south across all of Minnesota and linger through Saturday afternoon. The smoke will be reinforced by an area of high pressure that will create light winds and limit the dispersion of smoke.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across west central, east central, central, south central, southeast, north central, northwest, southwest, and northeast Minnesota. This area includes the Twin Cities metro area, Brainerd, Alexandria, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Ortonville, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Upper Sioux, Mille Lacs, Prairie Island, Leech Lake, White Earth, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac.

In the red area, sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.

Red air quality: Unhealthy

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

Health effects: This air is unhealthy for everyone. Anyone may begin to experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Sensitive or more exposed individuals may experience more serious health effects, including worsening of existing heart or lung disease and respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, possibly leading to an asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.

What to do: Reduce outdoor physical activities, take more breaks, and avoid intense activities to reduce exposure. Sensitive and more exposed individuals should avoid prolonged or vigorous activities and consider shortening, rescheduling, or moving outdoor events inside.