safety
Half of Minnesota under air quality alert amid wildfires, heat wave
By Emily Baude at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 14, 2026
· 2 min read
Much of the state is under an air quality alert as wildfires continue blazing in northern Minnesota and temperatures reach dangerous levels.
RELATED: Minnesota’s Weather Authority Alert: Heat wave in full effect with little relief ahead
Thick smoke is expected to settle over the Arrowhead ...
Key takeaway Heavy smoke is expected to spread from northern Minnesota across central parts of the state before passing through the Twin Cities and continuing to southern Minnesota, MPCA officials said.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The air quality alert affecting half of Minnesota, including the Twin Cities, will have significant implications for residents with respiratory issues, such as asthma. As the thick smoke from northern Minnesota's wildfires spreads across the state, people in the Minneapolis area will need to take precautions to minimize their exposure. This may include staying indoors, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, and keeping windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering homes and buildings. The closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and evacuation orders in northern Minnesota also highlight the severity of the situation and the need for Minneapolitans to be aware of the potential risks to their health and safety. As the alert is set to remain in effect until Friday, residents should stay informed about air quality conditions and follow any guidance from local authorities to protect themselves from the hazardous conditions.
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 14, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Much of the state is under an air quality alert as wildfires continue blazing in northern Minnesota and temperatures reach dangerous levels.
RELATED: Minnesota’s Weather Authority Alert: Heat wave in full effect with little relief ahead
Thick smoke is expected to settle over the Arrowhead ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Baude 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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