Is the air quality good in Minneapolis?
As of August 12, 2025, at 7:12 AM PT, Minneapolis was the most polluted major city in the world.
Wildfire smoke from fires in northern Manitoba had reached North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota on August 11. Lingering smoke was still impacting air quality in Minneapolis on August 12.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can frequently change.
Minneapolis was the most polluted major city on August 12 at 7:12 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Minneapolis.
The air quality conditions in Minneapolis on the morning of August 12 are unusually poor due to wildfire smoke. It is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Minneapolis was 7.6 µg/m3. This corresponds to an AQI of 31, which falls into the “good” category. The average PM2.5 concentration for 2024 was also 1.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m3.
What is causing poor air quality in New York City?
Wildfire smoke from northern Manitoba has been blown south, impacting air quality in Minnesota. For a closer look at wildfires in Canada, see the AirVisual air quality map.
Hourly air quality forecast for Minneapolis on August 12 at 7:12 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Minneapolis on August 12 at 7:12 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
