Tuesday, Aug. 12, brought some relief of Canadian wildfire smoke across much of Minnesota, but a new band is expected to move in across the northern region.
Northwest winds will bring another narrow band of ground-level smoke from wildfires in Canada into Northern Minnesota, prompting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to extend its air quality alert through 11 p.m. Wednesday. Smoke will reach as far south as Detroit Lakes, Brainerd and Hinckley by the end of the day on Tuesday.
High pressure will move into the region on Wednesday and winds will become light. Ground-level smoke will stall and continue to impact the northern one-third of the state on Wednesday, the MPCA stated. The smoke should begin to disperse and air quality should improve by Wednesday evening.
Fine particle levels are expected to reach the orange air quality index category, a level considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, across Northern Minnesota. In the orange area, sensitive groups should limit prolonged or heavy exertion and time spent outdoors.
-
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe U.S. Forest Service will close its decades-old Grand Rapids research office as part of a national reorganization. The lab produces world-renowned work on woods and water. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEKlobuchar visited with Conservation Corps members, local and state fire officials and others during a follow-up on recovery from a devastating wind storm in June 2025. -
Contributed/NWSThe snow will likely stick around for at least a few days, with temperatures near zero possible Monday night, April 6, 2026, in the extreme north. -
Contributed/Minnesota Farmers Union via FacebookThe People's Town Halls are an opportunity for the public to share how elected officials can help them meet their needs and build strong rural communities, the union said. -
Plus: St. Louis County to choose between local labor or risking federal funds. -
Contributed/U.S. Forest ServiceThe office is one of 47 research and development facilities closing amid a major reorganization of the agency. The Superior and Chippewa offices and their staffing are not impacted. -
Contributed/Carlton County EMS via FacebookThe recognition of a Kettle River first responder's efforts illustrates the balancing act between passion for their mission and funding woes. -
Co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell wonder at the mating habits of garter snakes, discuss the overwintering habits of butterflies, and look forward to spring's advance.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! -
Screenshot/St. Louis County via YouTubeThe federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds. -
Contributed/Gary PayneThe Cultural Thursday series continues April 9, 2026, at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. Educators Gary Payne and Mary Rosenberg will share their Argentina travel experiences.
