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yesterday

Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Triggers Widespread Air Quality Alerts in Minnesota, Michigan and Pennsylvania

Elevated fine particulate pollution will persist through the weekend, requiring residents to seal homes with high-efficiency filters

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A stock photo shows a woman coughing while outside.
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A detailed view of the sun can be seen covered by smoke from the Canadian wildfires as air quality alerts were issued across Minnesota during the second round of the 3M Open 2025 at TPC Twin Cities on July 25, 2025, in Blaine, Minnesota. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Northwest winds have carried heavy smoke from Manitoba and Saskatchewan wildfires into the Upper Midwest and Northeast since Tuesday morning
  • The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has placed the entire state under an air quality alert through 5 p.m. Saturday with most regions forecast to reach unhealthy levels
  • Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy extended a statewide advisory until midnight Friday, warning that PM2.5 concentrations will hit levels unhealthy for sensitive groups
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission maintain code orange alerts for the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia metro until early Thursday
  • Health officials recommend that sensitive populations limit outdoor exertion, keep windows closed and use high-efficiency filters to reduce smoke exposure