Air Quality Alert Issued for Much of Minnesota as Wildfire Smoke Moves Across State
Published: July 15th, 2026.
MINNESOTA: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an Air Quality Alert for much of Minnesota as thick wildfire smoke from Canada is expected to impact air quality through 11 a.m. Friday, July 17.
The alert began at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, and includes the Twin Cities metro, along with east central, central, west central, southeast, north central, northwest and northeast Minnesota.
According to the MPCA, smoke from wildfires burning in the Arrowhead region and southern Canada will continue drifting south across Minnesota through Wednesday night and Thursday. Additional rounds of smoke are expected before a cold front arrives Friday, bringing cleaner air to much of the state.
Some areas could see hazardous air quality
The heaviest smoke is expected across parts of central, north central and northeast Minnesota, where air quality may reach the hazardous category on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Communities expected to be hit the hardest include Brainerd, Hinckley, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Grand Portage, Fond du Lac and several Tribal Nations, including Mille Lacs.
In those areas, health officials recommend everyone stay indoors as much as possible and avoid outdoor activities until conditions improve.
The Twin Cities and other parts of central and southern Minnesota are expected to see unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality at times during the alert.
Health officials urge caution
Smoke from wildfires contains tiny particles that can irritate the lungs and make breathing more difficult. Children, older adults, people with heart or lung disease and anyone who spends long periods outdoors may be especially affected.
The MPCA recommends:
Limiting time outdoors, especially strenuous activity.
Keeping windows and doors closed if possible.
Running air conditioning or an air purifier if available.
Watching for symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath or chest discomfort.
Officials say the alert could be extended beyond Friday morning if smoke lingers over parts of Minnesota.