Urgent MN Air Quality Alert: Is Your County Affected?

Just as we are all getting ready to start enjoying the weekend, a weather alert for portions of Minnesota has pushed that smile into a frown for me.

Weather Alert for Parts of Minnesota This Weekend

Minnesota seems to have quite a few issues with air quality over the past few years. For instance, at the end of May this year, we got hit with a wall of smoke from the Canadian fires. Our sky had a very unique orange tint to it, and a word of caution was sent out for those who are more vulnerable.

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Unfortunately, another air quality alert was just issued for parts of Minnesota. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, poor air quality can impact everyone negatively; however, if you are one of the sensitive groups below, please pay special attention to how much you are exposed during the latest alert:

Children
Older adults who are 65+
People with pre-existing heart and lung diseases (asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cardiovascular disease, etc.)
Pregnant women
Those who work or exercise outside
Individuals in low socioeconomic neighborhoods and communities

Air Quality Alert Issued For Several Counties in Minnesota Starting Friday

The smoke is coming back! Unfortunately, smoke from the wildfires in Canada are making a comeback to Minnesota. The heaviest amount of smoke will be noticeable for the majority of the state on Saturday.

According to KTTC and the National Weather Service, an air quality alert has been issued for the following counties from Friday, July 11th until 9:00 am on Monday, July 14th:

Wabasha, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Mower, Fillmore, and Houston

Some of the cities that will be impacted by this air quality alert include Rochester, Dodge Center, Austin, Plainview, Red Wing, Preston, and Albert Lea.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: All of Minnesota has an air quality alert issued for the majority of the weekend, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth.

weather.gov

11 of the Most Devastating Weather Disasters in Minnesota Throughout The Years

We might be full of lakes and "nice" but Minnesota has had its fair share of horrible and nasty weather. Throughout the years we've had floods, fires, storms that have crushed stadium roofs flat, and tornadoes that have destroyed lives.

Gallery Credit: Jessica Williams