Photo: KBJR-TV

By Quinn Gorham of KBJR-TRV - July 5, 2021

Air pollutants from several wildfires in Canada caused unhealthy air quality across parts of Minnesota.

The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for Northeast Minnesota, effective Monday beginning at 6 a.m. and ending Tuesday at 8 a.m.

The wildfires are located about 100 miles north of the international border and span parts of Manitoba and Ontario.

A cold front brought winds from the northwest, carrying particles and pollutant into the Northeastern part of Minnesota.

Smoke and haze from the fires were visible in parts of Duluth for much of Monday.

The alert issued warns that "sensitive groups" might be affected by the air quality, advising that individuals with cardiovascular or pulmonary health concerns pay attention and remain concious of their health.

"That air quality alert is to alert sensitive groups, so people [that have] health conditions that make them sensitive to poor air quality. This air quality alert is just to let them know to limit time outside," says Woody Unruh, Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Duluth.

The air quality levels are expected to return to normal on Tuesday morning as rain hits much of northeastern Minnesota and causes the particles to dissipate.

To see the original post and read related stories, follow this link to the KBJR-Tv website.  https://kbjr6.com/2021/07/05/wildfires-in-canada-cause-air-quality-concerns-in-northern-minnesota/