Overview
- Smoke from wildfires in northern Minnesota and Canada drifted into the Twin Cities and forced widespread closures and cancellations on Thursday.
- The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board closed outdoor pools, wading pools, nature camps, recreation programs, athletic activities, golf courses and other scheduled outdoor programming while keeping parks, trails and beaches open without lifeguards.
- St. Paul closed several aquatic sites including Como Pool, Highland Park Aquatic Center and Lake Phalen Beach, canceled outdoor sports and moved planned youth activities and field trips indoors.
- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency advised people to avoid outdoor activity and stay inside and IQAir ranked Minneapolis among the worst major cities for air quality Thursday morning.
- Officials said improvements are expected on Friday but warned that long-range fine particulate matter can prolong health risks and disruptions to summer programs, festivals and cooling options for vulnerable residents.