Headline:
Air Quality Alert issued July 18 at 3:40PM CDT by NWS Duluth MN
Event:
Air Quality Alert
Urgency:
Unknown
Effective:
July 18, 2026 - 1:40pm
Expires:
July 19, 2026 - 5:00pm
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 Red or Unhealthy category.
* WHERE...East central, southeast, south central, and northeast
Minnesota.
* WHEN...Until 7 PM CDT Sunday.
* 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...Heavy smoke from wildfires will persist
across northeast Minnesota tonight into Sunday morning.
Increasing southwesterly winds Sunday afternoon will lead to
improved air quality for much of northeast Minnesota, though
near the wildfires and near the shores of Lake Superior may
continue to experience poor air quality through the Sunday
afternoon. The alert for this part of the state is currently set
to expire at 7 pm Sunday. Only localized poor air quality near
the wildfires will continue thereafter. Heavy smoke is expected
to then enter southeastern and far east central Minnesota from
the east early Sunday morning and persist through Monday
morning. Red, meaning unhealthy for everyone, is the expected
AQI category for all of this alert.
Instruction:
Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including
asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, should
avoid prolonged or heavy exertion. The general public should limit
prolonged or heavy exertion. 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: