Air Quality Alert Issued for Lakes Area Through Friday

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the Lakes Area.

The alert remains in effect through 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6.  A cold front will push across northwestern Minnesota Thursday. Behind the cold front northwestern winds will transport smoke from fires burning in southern Canada south across northern Minnesota.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the Orange AQI category, a level that is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, for north central and northwest Minnesota today. This area includes Detroit Lakes and most of the Lakes Area.

Sensitive groups, such as people with lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, and children and older adults, may experience health effects due to fine particles in the air.

Fine particle levels will begin to improve Friday morning as southerly winds start moving the smoke out of the state. By Friday afternoon, air quality should improve below alert levels statewide.