FARGO— The National Weather Service (NWS)
issued an updated air quality alert for Fargo and the surrounding Red River Valley region
Sunday, June 1, due to worsening conditions from ongoing Canadian wildfires.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach the “Red” or “Unhealthy” category, spreading throughout the region this afternoon and into the night. The wildfire smoke has overspread the region with surface-level smoke reducing visibility and impacting air quality.
According to the NWS, visibility is ranging from 1 to 3 miles and may suddenly drop lower in spots due to smoke.
The smoke is currently across most of eastern North Dakota and into far northwestern Minnesota. These conditions are expected to last through Monday evening.
Wildfire smoke poses potential health impacts to all population groups. The NWS encourages people to stay indoors if possible and to use extra caution when driving during low visibility.
A cold front is assumed to push some of the smoke out of eastern North Dakota, but smoke will persist in parts of Minnesota, expanding eastward in time.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has also issued an
Air Quality Alert for fine particles pollution
for all of Minnesota. The alert also states that a cold front will continue to drag smoke from large wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan southward into Minnesota.
Visit the NWS
Air Quality Forecast Guidance webpage
for information on current air quality conditions in your area.
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