Minneapolis experienced the worst air quality among major cities globally on Thursday, as dense smoke from ongoing wildfires in northern Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, enveloped the metropolitan area. The air quality index (AQI) in parts of the city reached a hazardous level of 460, significantly exceeding the threshold of 300.
Detroit also faced similarly hazardous air conditions. Officials are advising all residents to remain indoors while air quality remains at hazardous levels. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged residents to "please take this seriously," emphasizing the heightened risks for children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
Wildfire Activity
As of Wednesday midday, the U.S. Forest Service reported 15 active wildfires in Superior National Forest, with four burning within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Several of these fires have merged. Officials warned during a press briefing Wednesday that the fires could persist until the fall.
While light rain is anticipated in northern Minnesota on Thursday, meteorologists noted it would be insufficient to extinguish the large fires. "Weather's going to have to change," said Phil Manuel, incident meteorologist at the National Weather Service. "It takes rain with a name to put out big fires."
The widespread fires are exacerbated by hot, dry, and windy conditions, along with an increase in lightning strikes. Temperatures in the affected areas have recently reached the 100s, a stark contrast to the typical upper 70s for this time of year. First responders have been conducting door-to-door evacuations to ensure the safety of residents and visitors, a process that continued Wednesday.
Regional Impact
The fires in Minnesota are occurring concurrently with numerous wildfires across Canada, contributing to the dangerous smoke plumes drifting south into the northeastern and upper midwestern United States. On Wednesday, Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources reported over 183 active wildfires within the province. Firefighters are collaborating with Canadian first responders to combat the blazes.