The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has issued an air quality alert for all of Minn. The alert takes effect at midnight on Thursday, Aug. 17, and runs until 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18. 

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for everyone, across northeast and east central Minn. This area includes the Twin Cities metro, Brainerd, Hinckley, St. Cloud, Bemidji, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Duluth, Roseau, and the tribal nations of Mille Lacs, Prairie Island, Leech Lake, Red Lake, Grand Portage, and Fond du Lac. In the red area, sensitive groups should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion and limit time spent outdoors. Everyone should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.

Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange air quality index (AQI) category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across western and southern Minn.. This area includes Alexandria, Albert Lea, Marshall, Worthington, Rochester, Winona, Ortonville, Mankato, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, and the tribal nation of Upper Sioux. In the orange area, sensitive groups should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.