Red air-quality alert expanded to Twin Cities metro

Kristi Miller, Pioneer Press on Jul 19, 2026

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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has expanded an air quality alert to cover east central, southeast, south central and northeast Minnesota, warning that smoke from wildfires will push conditions into the red category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone.

The alert took effect at 9 a.m. Sunday, and will continue until 11 a.m. Monday. It covers the Twin Cities metro area, Albert Lea, Rochester, Winona, Mankato, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely and Duluth, along with the Tribal Nations of Prairie Island, Grand Portage and Fond du Lac.

According to the agency, heavy smoke has pushed further west into east central and south central Minnesota Sunday morning. More heavy smoke is expected to move in from the south Sunday night and last through Monday morning. Southeast Minnesota will stay under heavy smoke through Monday morning.

Northeastern Minnesota is expected to see conditions ease as southwesterly winds pick up through the day, improving air quality for most of the region by afternoon. The MPCA said areas near the shores of Lake Superior and close to the fires themselves may see poor air quality linger into early Sunday evening, with only localized problems continuing after that.

Fine particle pollution is expected to reach the red category across all four regions under the alert, which means the air is unhealthy for everyone. Under a red condition, the sky can look hazy and smoky, visibility drops and the air may smell like smoke.

With a red category, people can experience irritated eyes, nose or throat; coughing; chest tightness or shortness of breath. People with existing heart or lung conditions face a higher risk of complications, including asthma attacks, heart attacks or strokes. The agency is asking people to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and to limit time outdoors.

For more information, go to the MPCA’s Air Quality Index webpage for current conditions and/or sign up for daily forecasts and alerts through EnviroFlash or download the EPA AirNow app. The Minnesota Department of Health also has guidance on protecting against wildfire smoke on its website.

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