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Thick Canadian wildfire smoke is covering parts of the Midwest, triggering air quality alerts across at least six U.S. states.
On Saturday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported “unhealthy” air in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and eastern Nebraska. Smoke from Canadian forest fires continues to drift southward, making outdoor air dangerous—especially for vulnerable groups.
Worsening air across the region
In Minneapolis, air quality ranked among the worst globally, according to IQAir. The Canadian wildfire smoke has pushed Minnesota’s Air Quality Index (AQI) into the red zone, which is classified as “unhealthy.”
The AQI is a color-coded system ranging from green (“good”) to maroon (“hazardous”). Readings above 150 are considered harmful to all populations. Much of Minnesota exceeded this threshold on Saturday, and the smoke is expected to persist through Sunday.
Health officials urge precautions
Health experts are warning those with asthma, heart disease, or other lung conditions to stay indoors, especially during peak pollution hours. Children, older adults, and pregnant women are also at higher risk due to weaker respiratory defenses.
Officials recommend keeping windows closed, using air purifiers if available, and avoiding burning candles, wood, incense, or anything else that could worsen indoor air.
Avoiding strenuous outdoor activity is also strongly advised during high AQI periods.
Wildfires continue burning across Canada
Canadian officials report that hundreds of active wildfires are still burning, especially in British Columbia, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. These fires have strained firefighting resources and forced multiple evacuations. Experts warn that dry conditions and high winds could worsen the situation in coming weeks, potentially sending more smoke southward and prolonging poor air quality across North America.
Smoke moving south
The smoke may begin clearing in northern regions by Sunday, but models show it spreading further south into Missouri and Tennessee. Unhealthy air conditions could last through Monday, especially for sensitive groups.
