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Minnesota Faces 'Active Summer' for Air Quality Alerts
7 May
Summary
- Minnesota experts anticipate roughly two weeks of wildfire smoke impacts.
- Several days of unhealthy ozone levels are also expected this summer.
- Twin Cities suburbs and southeastern Minnesota face the highest risks.
Minnesota is bracing for an "active summer" regarding air quality, with experts predicting approximately two weeks of wildfire smoke impacts and several days of unhealthy ozone levels. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's forecast highlights warmer, drier conditions due to El Niño, increasing wildfire risks and ozone formation.
State meteorologists advise residents to stay "air-aware" to make informed decisions about outdoor activities. Conditions are expected to mirror those experienced in 2024. The Twin Cities suburbs and southeastern parts of the state, including Rochester, are identified as most susceptible.
Certain groups, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions, are urged to be particularly cautious. Recent reports indicate the Twin Cities metro area ranks poorly for both short-term particle pollution and ozone pollution nationally.
