Hazy conditions continue with wildfires burning across Canada

A cold front progressing across Minnesota on Monday will usher in some moderate smoke levels for northern Minnesota. Southern Minnesota will remain in the green (good) category through most of this week.

We can expect better conditions heading into Wednesday. Air quality index forecast for Wednesday shows the state of Minnesota in the green (good) category.

Wildfires are creating their own weather

As wildfires become really intense they can create their own weather. The immense amount of heat generated from the fires can create pyrocumulonimbus clouds. These are smoke-filled thunderstorms that can produce hail, strong winds, lightning and tornadoes.

There are currently 310 uncontrolled active wildfires in Canada with over 2.2 hectares affected (equivalent to over 5.6 million acres).