Southeast Minnesota Under Air Quality Alert

AIR QUALITY ALERT REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM CDT FRIDAY...

* WHAT...The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an Air
Quality Alert for fine particles pollution. The Air Quality Index
(AQI) is expected to reach the Red or Unhealthy category.

* WHERE...Southeastern Minnesota.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM CDT Friday.

* IMPACTS... Some members of the general public may experience
health effects. Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease
(including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults,
may experience health effects.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... Dense smoke is being pulled by a quasi-
stationary front across southern Minnesota. While the front has stalled
smoke has continued to move south along the Mississippi River
Valley and may continue to do so today. There will be a sharp
gradient of smoke, with some areas of the same counties
experiencing Good/Green air quality while other experience
Red/Unhealthy for All conditions as the front slowly moves south.
Conditions will gradually improve by Friday morning as the front
retreats northward.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should remain
indoors and keep activity levels low. The general public should avoid
all physical activities outdoors. Reduce or eliminate activities
that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of
residential wood burning devices. Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle
idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent
smoke from getting indoors.

LAST UPDATED: 7/16/2026

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