Air quality alert issued for all of northern Minnesota Thursday and Friday

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of northern Minnesota, it’s expected to reach the red AQI category which is unhealthy for everyone.

This air quality alert is issued due to wildfire smoke for Thursday June 5th and Friday June 6th.

The agency says the citys most impacted would be: Bemidji, East Grand Forks, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Red Lake, Leech Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac. 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says, “An east-to-west band of heavy Canadian wildfire smoke will drift further south into northern Minnesota behind a cold front through the day and evening on Thursday. Most of this smoke will gradually retreat back north into Canada and disperse throughout Friday afternoon, but there is some potential for smoke to linger near the north shore of Lake Superior into the evening.”

What do do if you’re in a red AQI area: 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.