Wildfire smoke pouring into the state from Canadian fires has triggered a red air quality alert, signaling that the air is unhealthy for anyone and everyone to breath. The alert, issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, is in effect until 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, for large portions of the state, including the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

The previous record, set in 2021, was five days. The current alert is expected to last seven days. It will remain in effect through Monday, Aug. 4, at noon.

Minnesota is headed for a much-needed break from the intense heat and humidity, but air quality concerns will linger over the state through the weekend.