The air quality alert was extended in northwest and north central Minnesota and announced for all of Minnesota until Monday, July 14.
MINNESOTA, USA — An air quality alert has been issued in all of Minnesota until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 14.
The biggest impact will be in northern Minnesota, where air quality is expected to reach the purple category – very unhealthy for everyone in the area, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
The alert was first announced for Friday morning in northwest and north central Minnesota after heavy ground smoke from wildfires in Central Canada moved into the state.
Since then, the smoke has drifted further across the state and will continue to spread throughout Minnesota.
Northeast areas can expect worsening air quality Friday evening, with another round of smoke coming into northwest Minnesota later today, according to the MPCA.
As smoke moves southeast overnight, the air quality will worsen in all of Minnesota on Saturday.
People are urged to avoid or reduce outdoor activities and monitor the air quality index in their area. The index is color-coded and ranges from orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) to red (unhealthy for everyone) to purple (very unhealthy for everyone).
The MPCA expects the air quality will improve on Sunday as cleaner air moves into the state from the west.
Anyone experiencing health issues related to poor air quality is urged to contact a health provider. Authorities also note that in case of severe symptoms, people should call 911 immediately.
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