MPCA extends air quality alert through noon on Wednesday

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has extended an air quality alert for east-central Minnesota through noon on Wednesday, June 4.

According to a news release from the agency, a band of heavy ground-level smoke from Canadian wildfires was expected to reach central Minnesota on Monday evening.

Precipitation is expected in the forecast, but the MPCA states that it may not significantly improve air quality.

Air quality is likely to improve from northwest to southeast Minnesota from Tuesday through Wednesday morning.

In Pine, Kanabec, Isanti, Chisago, and Mille Lacs counties, the air quality index is expected to reach a level considered unhealthy for everyone.

Residents are encouraged to reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, including outdoor burning.

Graphic from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency