Headline:
Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 10:37AM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Event:
Air Quality Alert
Urgency:
Unknown
Effective:
July 18, 2026 - 8:37am
Expires:
July 20, 2026 - 9:00am
Description:
* 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 Maroon or Hazardous
category.
* WHERE...Northeast Minnesota.
* WHEN...Until 11 AM CDT Monday.
* IMPACTS...Everyone is more likely to be affected.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heavy smoke is expected to persist across
much of northeastern Minnesota through the weekend and into
Monday. A separate area of heavy smoke will move across
northwestern Minnesota this morning and afternoon. Northwestern
Minnesota should see improved air quality by this evening.
Additional heavy smoke may move south from Canada this weekend,
and the air quality alert may need to be extended into east
central and southeastern Minnesota.
Instruction:
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.
Area Description:
North St. Louis; Northern Cook/Northern Lake; Central St. Louis; Southern Lake/North Shore; Southern Cook/North Shore; Carlton/South St. Louis
Forcast Office:
NWS Duluth MN
Sender: