Smoky Air Reducing Visibilities; Air Quality Alert Issued

A smoky haze over the Lakes Area July 12, 2021.

(KNSI) – Smoke from Canadian wildfires is not just affecting air quality but also reducing visibility.

The National Weather Service says around central Minnesota; visibilities are reduced to between one and four miles. In some spots overnight, visibility was reduced to less than one mile. Smoke from the fires in Ontario and Manitoba is expected to mix down to ground level and increase the fine particles in the air, reducing the Air Quality Index to the orange category or unhealthy for certain groups. Air quality in areas northwest of St. Cloud toward Alexandria and Bemidji is in the red or unhealthy category. Places such as Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, and Fargo Moorhead are considered very unhealthy.

People who engage in extended or heavy physical activity outside, children, older adults, and people with lung and issues such as asthma, COPD, and lung disease, along with cardiac diagnoses like heart disease or high blood pressure, are more likely to be affected by poor air quality and are encouraged to stay inside or be inside as much as possible. Indoor air quality can be boosted by also keeping windows closed.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for much of the state, including the St. Cloud area, until 6:00 a.m. Thursday. Learn more by clicking here.