A hazardous air quality and some of the most polluted air across the globe is starting to have an effect on summer outdoors activities in Minnesota.
There are warnings to avoid the outdoors, not just for people with sensitivities, but for everyone, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The current alert is set to last through Friday late-morning when a shift in winds should help ease the nasty air.
In the meantime, outdoor activities are starting to fall by the wayside due to the risk of particulates in the air, which can become dangerous. Here's what we know:
- The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board has already canceled all outdoor programs, activities and events for Thursday. All non air-conditioned recreation centers are also closed.
- The Target Team USA Cup in Blaine brings thousands of youth soccer players from around the world each year, but they were forced to cancel Thursday's games. Officials posted online that the historic level of air quality index in the area will keep youth soccer players sidelined, and all games scheduled will be recorded as 0-0 ties. That means all teams will advance to the playoffs. Other activities for Thursday night, including a dance party, are going on as scheduled.
- Although the smoke is expected to be less prevalent Friday, officials with the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair have canceled opening day festivities after recommendations from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency. The fair is still scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
- Shakopee amusement park Valleyfair is also closed Thursday, posting on their website guests with tickets for Thursday can visit another date this season.
- Also in Shakopee, the Creed concert at the Mystic Lake Ampitheater is off. The venue announced that the show will now take place on Saturday, September 5th. Tickets for Thursday’s performance will be valid on the new date.
- One of the bigger summer events in the Twin Cities is the Minnesota Yacht Club Festival. That is scheduled for Friday through Sunday in St. Paul. So far at least, it is on as scheduled.
- Another summer activity beloved in Minnesota is patio season at restaurants. Don't expect to see any open on Thursday, and health officials would suggest you stay inside for your meals anyway.
While this is difficult for residents, it's also tough news for visitors to the Twin Cities, derailing plans many had for what would typically be the height of summer in Minnesota.
Downtown Minneapolis, at least outside on the streets, was left with a ghost town feel. There were some wearing masks, but not many.
WCCO's Susie Jones spoke to a couple from North Carolina, Mike and Tammy Kane. They are in Minnesota expecting to head to the Boundary Waters for a trip. That, of course, is canceled after numerous fires in the BWCA forced the U.S. Forest Service to close the wilderness area to all visitors.
They are taking it in stride, however, having seen their share of natural disasters.
"Asheville had the flood not this past September but the September before, and we had 17-feet of water come through our downtown area," said Mike Kane "So we went 3 or 4 weeks without water."
As many visitors in town for outdoor activities are likely planning to do, the Kane's are turning to the Mall of America later to get out of the smoke.
