Another air quality alert is in effect for the Twin Cities.
Officially, the alert is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. Sunday.
Smoke drifting down from those Canadian wildfires across central Saskatchewan and Manitoba are once again making the air unhealthy for everyone in much of Minnesota.
"The worst of it should remain in the northern part of the state," said Paige Veseret, National Weather Service meteorologist. "I would say north of Alexandria."
It's likely the entire state will eventually have unhealthy air before the smoke clears out by Tuesday, Veseret said.
"Down near Rochester, it takes until tomorrow," she said.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the red air quality index category, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Poor air quality will most likely expand further east through Sunday night.
Heavy smoke should then disperse from west to east across Minnesota from Monday into Tuesday morning.
Air moves long distances and carries pollutants.
During air quality alerts due to wildfires, the air is mixed with harmful smoke.
Wildfire smoke spreads or lingers depending on the size of the fires, the wind, and the weather.
In areas where air quality is in the red AQI category due to wildfires, the sky may look smoky, the air will look hazy, you won’t be able to see long distances, and you may smell smoke.
Because of this, anyone may begin to experience symptoms such as irritated eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Sensitive or more exposed individuals may experience more serious health effects, including worsening of existing heart or lung disease and respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, possibly leading to an asthma attack, heart attack, or stroke.
People are encouraged to reduce outdoor physical activities, take more breaks, and avoid intense activities to reduce exposure.
Sensitive and more exposed individuals should avoid prolonged or vigorous activities and consider shortening, rescheduling, or moving outdoor events inside.