Severe air quality alert in Minnesota due to Canadian smoke
MINNESOTA, Friday, July 18, 2025 — 7:40 PM CDT – A widespread air quality alert has been officially issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), impacting northwest, north central, and northeast Minnesota, as thick smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to drift into the state.
Starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday, dense surface smoke is forecast to spread southward into key areas of Minnesota, including Brainerd, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, and Roseau, along with the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, White Earth, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac.
According to the MPCA, smoke will begin impacting northern Minnesota during the early afternoon hours on Saturday, expanding south and eastward throughout the day. Smoke concentrations are expected to linger through Sunday and gradually move northward out of the region by Monday morning.
The highest pollution levels will be recorded in far northern Minnesota and the Arrowhead region, where fine particle pollution (PM2.5) is expected to reach Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the purple category, signaling conditions that are “very unhealthy” for everyone.
The alert comes with serious health implications. The MPCA warns that fine particulates may pose significant respiratory risks to all residents, not just those in sensitive groups. Authorities urge people in affected areas to limit outdoor activity and stay indoors during periods of elevated smoke, especially during Saturday evening and through Sunday.
