Entire state of Minnesota has Unhealthy Air Alert until midday Monday

Air Quality Alert 08/01/2025

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert for all of Minnesota through noon Monday, August 4, 2025.

Surface high pressure will camp out over the region through Friday evening and will result in light winds and poor dispersion. Smoke with widespread red/unhealthy air quality index (AQI) concentrations will likely remain over most of the state through tonight and into the day Saturday. Winds will increase out of the south over the weekend as high pressure drifts east of the area. Smoke concentrations should gradually decline starting Saturday, but the clearing of the smoke may be slow with smoke spreading as far south as Tennessee and Missouri. Most of the alert-level smoke should push north back into Canada by later Monday.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red AQI category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across Minnesota. 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.