Code Red: When Will Air Quality Improve In Minnesota?

Air quality in the Twin Cities Wednesday was once again in the or red zone, which is considered unhealthy for everyone.

An air quality alert is in effect until Thursday, June 29, at midnight. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency had warned that wildfire smoke affecting Wisconsin was expected to recirculate into southern Minnesota, leading to persisting ground-level smoke in southern and east central Minnesota Wednesday.

A cold front moving across Minnesota Wednesday afternoon will bring cleaner air from the west, the MPCA said.

Air quality is expected to improve by midnight Thursday. The air quality forecast for Thursday shows air quality levels improving slightly to the moderate or yellow zone, which is considered unhealthy for a small number of "unusually sensitive groups," according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

When air quality is in the red zone, everyone should limit heavy exertion and time spent outdoors, the MPCA says. Groups most at risk include those with conditions like asthma or COPD; people with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes; pregnant women; children and older adults.

More information on precautions to take can be found on the MPCA website.