Air quality alert: Unhealthy levels in northwest Minnesota.

Canadian wildfire smoke is still drifting across parts of Minnesota Thursday. NOAA’s GOES-16 visible satellite image across northern Minnesota is still picking up smoky smudges across northern Minnesota.

Some of that smoke is reaching ground level and creating unhealthy air quality.

Thursday’s afternoon’s air quality index (above) shows unhealthy particulate levels across northwest Minnesota and the Red River Valley.

An air quality alert remains in effect until 9 am Friday for most of northern Minnesota.

Here’s more information from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

People whose health is affected by unhealthy air quality

There are people who are more likely to be affected when fine particle pollution reaches an unhealthy level.

• People who have asthma or other breathing conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• People who have heart disease or high blood pressure.

• Children and older adults.

• People of all ages who are doing extended or heavy, physical activity like playing sports or working outdoors.

Health effects

Air pollution can aggravate heart and cardiovascular disease as well as lung diseases like asthma and COPD. When the air quality is unhealthy, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, use your inhalers as directed and contact your health care provider.

Take precautions

• Everyone should take precautions when the air quality is unhealthy.

• Take it easy and listen to your body.

• Limit, change, or postpone your physical activity.

• If possible, stay away from local sources of air pollution like busy roads and wood fires.

• If you have asthma, or other breathing conditions like COPD, make sure you have your relief/rescue inhaler with you.

• People with asthma should review and follow guidance in their written asthma action plan. Make an appointment to see your health provider if you don’t have an asthma action plan.

Pollution reduction tips

The main sources of fine particle pollution is any activity that uses fuel. Conserving energy and buying clean, renewable energy are great lifestyle choices to help reduce overall pollution.

• Reduce vehicle trips.

• Use public transport or carpool when possible.

• Postpone use of gasoline powered lawn and garden equipment on air alert days. Use battery or manual equipment instead.

• Avoid backyard fires.

Slightly improved air quality into the weekend?

Forecasts for air quality into the upcoming weekend show a trend toward slightly improved values.

Here’s the forecast for northwest Minnesota.

And for northeast Minnesota.

The Twin Cities likely sees moderate AQI reading through the upcoming weekend.

The hot and sometimes smoky summer of 2021 rolls on.