Air Quality Warning Issued for Parts of Minnesota on Labor Day

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MPCA Air Quality Map for Labor Day.

(Photo 9) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued an air quality advisory for parts of the state on Labor Day due to the presence of wildfire smoke in the atmosphere.

An air quality warning has been issued for areas of northern, central and northwestern Minnesota. The air quality index is predicted to be red and orange.

The alert, which went into effect at 8 a.m. Monday, covers Brainerd, St. Cloud, Bemidji, International Falls, Roseau and the Mille Lacs, Leech Lake and Red Lake tribal areas.

Which areas are covered?

The red air quality index, considered unhealthy for everyone, includes Bemidji, Roseau and the Leech Lake and Red Lake tribes.

Those under the red AQI may notice hazy skies, reduced visibility and may smell smoke. The MPCA said anyone in the red zone should limit time spent outdoors.

The orange AQI, considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, includes Brainerd, St. Cloud, International Falls, and the Mille Lacs, Red Lake and Leech Lake tribal nations.

Sensitive groups include children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma. The MPCA warns that pollution can exacerbate heart and lung disease and cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

Why was the alert issued?

The MPCA explained why the alert was issued:

“Smoke from multiple wildfires in Saskatchewan, Canada, has been pulled into parts of northern and central Minnesota by northerly winds. High pressure will move into the region and will generate very light winds on Monday,” the MPCA said. “This air mass has settled and heavy ground smoke will continue over the northern half of the state for the rest of the day on Monday.”

The alert is expected to expire at 1 a.m. Tuesday as southerly winds push smoke from the fire north.

Visit the MPCA Air Quality Alerts page for more information on current air quality conditions.