"Severe Storms and Wildfire Smoke Prompt Statewide Air Quality Alerts in Minnesota and Wisconsin"

A statewide air quality alert has been issued for Minnesota due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, with the alert in effect until at least 11 p.m. Friday. The air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups throughout the state, and very unhealthy for everyone in northern and east-central Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro. Health officials advise limiting outdoor activities, especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. The worst conditions are expected on Friday afternoon, but southerly winds later in the weekend may help disperse the smoke.