The Pollution Control Agency has issued a statewide air quality alert through 9 a.m. Monday because of Canadian wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke from Canada has made for bad air quality over parts of the Upper Midwest. Most of Minnesota had “unhealthy” air quality Saturday.

Smoke is drifting south from wildfires in Canada and a group of lawmakers had asked the Canadian ambassador about her government's plans for tackling them.

Officials with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency told nearby residents about the emissions, which began in January.

Here’s your Saturday evening forecast for July 12, 2025 from Meteorologist Matt Serwe.A Forecast First Alert continues through Sunday afternoon for poor air quality across most of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

"Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices," the alert advised. "Reduce vehicle trips and vehicle idling as much as possible. Keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors."

Scattered showers and storms are possible on Friday with pockets of heavy rain and gusty winds. The forecast high Friday in the Twin Cities is 85 degrees, with a mix of sun and clouds. The greatest chance for storms comes in the evening hours with flooding being the main concern.