MN air quality forecast for summer 2024: Walz, state leaders share details

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota state officials say this summer’s air quality forecast will have "more air quality alerts than normal" but not as many as the record-breaking number of alerts seen in the summer of 2023.

The entire news conference can be viewed above.

Forecasters reportedly predict more wildfire smoke than average, with more than seven air quality alerts expected. By comparison, an average year sees between five and seven alerts in total. 

More common wildfires, persistent droughts and warmer temperatures partially caused by climate change are all factors that contribute to poor air quality.  

State organizations such as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) spoke about new resources available for residents in the coming months, including a current state air quality conditions website. 

Last summer saw multiple air quality alerts as smoke from wildfires in Canada was carried into Minnesota. 

Data from the MPCA shows there were 21 air quality alerts that spanned 52 days, 16 of which were due to fine particles from wildfire smoke.

Nine of the alert days reached the red Air Quality Index (AQI) category, while 13  reached the orange category. 

The AQI ranks red as posing a health risk to everyone, while orange presents a health risk to "sensitive" groups, such as people with heart and lung diseases or older adults and children.

On days with poor air quality, health officials say the effects can be minimized by limiting outdoor activities and keeping indoor air clean.

"Wildfires in Canada and other states have a significant impact on Minnesota’s air quality, and last year was profound," said MPCA Lead Meteorologist Matt Taraldsen. "Our meteorologists are closely monitoring air quality around the state, and we are committed to providing accurate information promptly so that everyone can stay informed about changing conditions." 

More information can be found on the MDH Air Quality, Climate and Health website.