Hazardous air quality forecast for much of Minnesota Thursday

If you woke up to your neighborhood smelling like campfire, you’re not alone.

Poor air quality is forecast for nearly all of Minnesota Thursday due to wildfires.

Air quality has reached the maroon category for much of eastern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro, meaning it is hazardous for everyone, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

The MPCA says anyone in the maroon or hazardous area should avoid any outdoor activity and stay inside.

Farther west in Minnesota, purple — very unhealthy — and red — unhealthy — alerts are in effect.

The MPCA says heavy smoke will remain across the state Thursday as existing smoke recirculates and mixes with new smoke from wildfires across northeastern Minnesota and southern Canada.

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Heavy smoke remains possible beyond the alert expiration time across portions of northeast Minnesota, but the potential for rain Friday could greatly reduce smoke output and improve air quality, according to the MPCA. As for the rest of the state, a cold front is expected bring cleaner air on northwest winds through the day Friday.

The air quality alert includes northern, central and portions of southern Minnesota through 11 a.m. Friday.

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