safety
Air quality alert expands, hazardous designation issued for Twin Cities metro
By Ryan Pattee at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 3 min read
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has expanded its air quality alert due to smoke from wildfires.
A hazardous maroon designation has now been issued for east central, central, west central, southeast, north central, south central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota until 11 a.m. on...
Key takeaway A hazardous maroon designation has now been issued for east central, central, west central, southeast, north central, south central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota until 11 a.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The hazardous air quality alert now in effect for the Twin Cities metro area will have significant implications for daily life in Minneapolis . With the maroon designation, residents are advised to avoid any outdoor activity and stay indoors, which will likely disrupt plans for outdoor events and recreation. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and young children, who may be more susceptible to the health effects of poor air quality. The alert also serves as a reminder of the importance of indoor air quality, and residents may need to take steps to keep their homes clean and well-ventilated. As the alert is in effect until at least Friday, residents should stay informed about the latest air quality updates and take necessary precautions to protect their health. The city's response to the alert will be crucial in mitigating its impact on public health and daily life.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has expanded its air quality alert due to smoke from wildfires.
A hazardous maroon designation has now been issued for east central, central, west central, southeast, north central, south central, northwest, and northeast Minnesota until 11 a.m. on...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ryan Pattee at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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