Air quality alert issued for all of Minnesota through Wednesday

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued another air quality alert for all of Minnesota that runs until noon on Wednesday, June 4. A previous air quality alert was set to expire today.

“A band of very heavy ground-level smoke from Canadian wildfires has moved into northwest Minnesota Monday morning behind a cold front,” explained Matt Taraldsen with the MPCA “This smoke will continue to follow behind the cold front as it moves southeast, and the smoke will impact northwest and north central Minnesota on Monday.”

The smoke is anticipated to reach central and northeast Minnesota by the evening.

Taraldsen continued that fine particle levels are expected to reach the “Red” category in northeast Minnesota.

While under an Air Quality Alert in the Red AQI category, everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors. 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. Some of these effects including worsening of existing heart or lung disease and respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Poor air quality could also lead to an asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.

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, but also consider shortening, rescheduling, or moving outdoor events inside.

For more information about the current air quality alert issued you can read more here. Also for more information about current weather conditions you can read more here.