Smoke from Nearby Fires Hits Minnesota | Duluth News

Duluth News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 16, 2026 · 1m

Smoke from wildfires burning just north in Minnesota is blanketing the Twin Cities and central Minnesota in thick, heavy haze — a dangerous, concentrated blanket of smoke that’s far worse than last year’s Canadian smoke. With winds carrying the haze hundreds of miles, air quality has hit “top-end” levels, triggering maroon and red alerts across northeastern Minnesota. Officials urge everyone — especially kids and seniors — to stay indoors, avoid strenuous activity, and shut windows at night. The smoke, filled with fine particles, is causing eye and throat irritation, coughing, and breathing…