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Air quality alert continues in Minnesota, but improvements in sight

NEXT Weather: 6 p.m. report on June 3, 2025
NEXT Weather: 6 p.m. report on June 3, 2025 03:52

An air quality alert remains in effect through Wednesday at noon for most of Minnesota, though conditions should improve in the overnight hours.

The alert was prompted by smoke from Canadian wildfires, with a NEXT Weather Alert also in effect due to .

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WCCO

The Arrowhead, eastern Minnesota, the Twin Cities and south central areas of the state are expected to see unhealthy air quality throughout Tuesday. The air will be unhealthy for sensitive groups in the rest of southern Minnesota, as well as central areas of the state.

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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, cleaner air will move in from northwest to southeast throughout Tuesday and Wednesday. By Thursday, air quality across the state should fall below concerning levels.

Air quality aside, showers moved out of Minnesota late Tuesday afternoon with highs topping out in the 60s.

The sky should actually appear blue on Wednesday with a partly cloudy sky and highs in the upper 70s.

The metro will dry out until Friday when showers return. Another round is likely on Sunday, but neither day will be a washout.

Highs should hang near-to-slightly above average through the weekend.

How to prevent exposure to hazardous air

Tips to stay protected from harmful air quality 01:57

The smoke from the wildfires is essentially poisoning the air in Minnesota and neighboring North Dakota, Wisconsin and Michigan. 

 found matter from wildfire smoke can have health effects up to three months. 

"It's this higher concentration that you're breathing kind of overwhelms your body and can lead to health issues that we kind of expect from air pollution," said Peter DeCarlo, environmental health and engineering professor at Johns Hopkins University.

Minnesotans may need to prepare for another summer of smoke, like what the state experienced in 2023. Experts say it's possible the state could also have to deal with wildfire smoke from out west

The National Weather Service says rain will likely help bring smoke down closer to the ground. Exposure to this air brings symptoms including itchy eyes, sore throats and headaches. People are advised to avoid spending prolonged amounts of time outdoors, and consider wearing a well-fitting N-95 mask.

"It can be hazardous to your health, especially people who are especially sensitive to things like that," said National Weather Service meteorologist Melissa Dye. "People with asthma, elderly, children."

Motorists are also advised to consider reducing trips. If you have to drive, recirculate the air in your vehicle to reduce exposure to harmful particulate matter.

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