Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff
St. Paul

Smoke, hot temps trigger Minnesota air quality alert for Thursday

Western wildfire smoke is contributing to a health warning in MN
Western wildfire smoke is contributing to poor air quality in parts of Minnesota. Here, a fire burns last week east of Portland, Ore.
Inciweb via AP

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Temperatures near 90 degrees, western wildfire smoke and sunshine will combine on Thursday to make the air unhealthy for some people in parts of eastern and central Minnesota.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on Wednesday posted an air quality alert effective from noon to 8 p.m. on Thursday. The affected area includes the Twin Cities metro, St. Cloud, Hinckley and the Tribal Nation of Mille Lacs.

People who might be affected include those with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other breathing conditions. People of all ages doing extended or heavy, physical activity, including sports or working outdoors, could also experience problems.

The worst conditions are expected during the afternoon and early evening across the Twin Cities metro area into central Minnesota, the MPCA said in a statement. Ozone values should return to moderate levels as the sun sets Thursday evening, though "wildfire smoke will continue to keep fine particle levels elevated in the yellow category after ozone decreases.

Unhealthy ozone levels can aggravate lung diseases and may make it harder to breathe. It may also cause throat soreness, wheezing, coughing or unusual fatigue, the agency said.