On Monday, the Twin Cities will experience soaring temperatures, reaching the low 90s, accompanied by hazy conditions as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended its air quality alert for an additional couple of days due to persistent smoke from Canadian wildfires. This alert, which is set to expire on Wednesday at noon, indicates the severity of air quality concerns affecting residents throughout the state.
As a result of a “band of very heavy ground-level smoke” moving southeast, air quality in northwestern Minnesota will reach hazardous levels categorized as “maroon,” while areas such as north-central Minnesota will experience “very unhealthy” air, labeled as “purple.” This marks a concerning first since the MPCA began issuing alerts in 2011. The air quality in the Twin Cities will fall under the “unhealthy” category, designated as “red.”
Residents are facing a chance of severe storms on Monday evening, particularly in the areas northwest of the metro, such as Fergus Falls and Alexandria, which are under a severe thunderstorm watch until 7 p.m. Storms could bring strong winds, lightning, and hail. The Twin Cities may see these storms after 6 p.m., though conditions are expected to lessen in severity as the storms move east.
Looking ahead, rain on Tuesday morning should lead to cooler temperatures in the 70s, followed by a sunnier and milder day on Wednesday. There is a slight possibility of additional showers on Thursday, with temperatures warming back into the upper 70s. However, Friday could witness scattered storms while remaining warm and breezy.
Compounding the situation, over 25,000 evacuees in Canada are displaced due to wildfires, particularly in Manitoba, which has been declared a state of emergency. Across Central and Western Canada, 184 active wildfires are reported, with nearly half raging out of control.
In light of these developments, health experts warn about the risks associated with prolonged exposure to the hazardous air. Those particularly at risk include individuals with asthma, the elderly, and children. Suggested precautions involve limiting outdoor activities, wearing N-95 masks if necessary, and reducing travel to minimize exposure to polluted air.
It’s crucial for residents to remain aware and take protective measures as they navigate these challenging weather conditions and air quality issues. By staying informed and vigilant, the community can hopefully avert health complications arising from the wildfire smoke and adverse weather.