The St. Cloud area may experience smoky conditions as an air quality alert has been issued for the entire northern half of Minnesota.

St. Cloud State meteorology professor Bob Weisman says smoke from Canadian wildfires have been making their way to northwest Minnesota and will cover most of northern Minnesota by Friday.

By Friday evening, an air quality alert is expected for many southern Minnesota regions, including the Twin Cities

During air quality alerts seniors, children, and anyone with a history of breathing problems should remain indoors for their own safety.

The alert was issued for 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 16 and will last until Sunday, August 19. The expected alert for southern Minnesota should also last until Sunday.