Air Quality Alert Issued for Northwestern Minnesota Due to Wildfire Smoke

Photo byNational Weather Service

Smoke from Canadian Wildfires Impacts Air Quality; Unhealthy Levels for Sensitive Groups

GRAND FORKS — Issued by the National Weather Service at 9:41 PM on September 4, 2024.

Wildfire Smoke Reduces Air Quality Tonight

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Forks, ND, has issued a hazardous weather outlook and an Air Quality Alert for parts of eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota, including cities like Bemidji, Crookston, Moorhead, and Roseau. This alert is in effect from 5 PM CDT Wednesday until 11 AM CDT Thursday due to wildfire smoke drifting south from wildfires in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency expects the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach the Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) category, which may impact those with lung diseases, heart conditions, children, and older adults. Residents in these groups should limit outdoor activities and reduce exposure to the smoke.

Precautionary Actions for Residents

To mitigate the health impacts, sensitive individuals are advised to limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Additional actions include:

• Keeping windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from entering homes.
• Reducing or eliminating activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning or using residential wood-burning devices.
• Minimizing vehicle trips and idling to reduce air pollution.

Improvement in Air Quality Expected by Thursday Afternoon

Cleaner air is forecasted to arrive on northerly winds by Thursday afternoon, which should help improve conditions across the alert area.

Hazardous Weather Changes Fast - Stay Updated

Weather Watches, Warnings & Advisories are frequently updated by the NWS. Please look for updates to this report from the National Weather Service, or your local news channels and NOAA All Hazards.

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