Canadian Wildfire Smoke in Minneapolis

Cyclists, pedestrians and drivers on the Midtown Greenway, Lake Street and the Mississippi riverfront on 18 May 2023

May 18, 2023 — Minneapolis, MN

Smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed Minneapolis in May 2023, pushing air quality into hazardous ranges across the metro area and reducing visibility throughout the city. The haze settled over South Minneapolis neighborhoods, the Mississippi River corridor, and major transit routes, as health officials issued advisories urging residents to limit time outdoors.

The fires driving the smoke were part of an exceptionally destructive wildfire season across western and central Canada, with plumes carried south and east on upper-level winds that deposited particulate matter deep into the American Midwest. Minneapolis was among the most severely affected cities during this particular episode, with conditions deteriorating rapidly over the course of the day.

Life continued despite the warnings. Cyclists and joggers moved along the Midtown Greenway, the 5.7-mile trail built on a former railroad corridor connecting neighborhoods across South Minneapolis, and residents gathered near the Mississippi River for outdoor recreation even as the skyline behind them disappeared into the murk. Metro Transit light rail continued running its regular routes toward the Mall of America through air that had turned an unsettling amber-grey.

This episode arrived during a period when Minneapolis was still navigating the social and political aftershocks of the previous two years, adding an environmental stressor to a city already managing significant ongoing tensions. It would not be the last such event: wildfire smoke has returned to the region in subsequent years, and air quality alerts have become a recurring feature of upper Midwest summers in ways they were not a decade ago.

Night photo of Minneapolis skyline during air quality alerts — *May 18, 2023* — The Minneapolis city skyline is obscured by haze from Canadian wildfires, impacting air quality across the region. The "Gold Medal Flour" sign, a historic landmark dating back to the early 20th century, is visible through the atmospheric conditions. This event highlights the increasing frequency of such air quality alerts due to climate change and widespread wildfires. The city's downtown core, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and older structures, serves as the economic and cultural hub of Minnesota.

2 bridges over the Mississippi River and city skyline — *May 18, 2023* — The I-35W Bridge and the 10th Avenue Bridge cross the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota, under a sky obscured by smoke from Canadian wildfires. This atmospheric condition, which led to air quality advisories, significantly reduced visibility across the city. The I-35W Bridge serves as a major north-south transportation route, while the 10th Avenue Bridge, with its distinctive arches, is a notable element of the city's infrastructure.

Night photo of river and city skyline with a haze in Minneapolis — *May 18, 2023* — The Minneapolis skyline is veiled by smoke from Canadian wildfires, impacting regional air quality. The Mississippi River flows past the historic Stone Arch Bridge, a former railway bridge completed in 1883, now a pedestrian walkway. Adjacent to the bridge is the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, a 20th-century engineering project that regulates the river's flow and supports navigation, a function critical to Minneapolis since its establishment.

Mississippi River in front of Downtown Minneapolis Skyline — *May 18, 2023* — The Minneapolis Lock and Dam on the Mississippi River is obscured by haze from Canadian wildfire smoke, impacting air quality in the downtown area. Constructed in the early 20th century, the lock and dam system was designed to improve navigation on the river, facilitating the transport of goods and materials. Today, it continues to play a role in managing water levels and supporting barge traffic, though its visual presence is altered by atmospheric conditions. The Stone Arch Bridge, a historic landmark, is visible in the background, further contextualizing the industrial and infrastructural history of Minneapolis.

Volleyball during bad air quality. — *May 18, 2023* — Despite air quality warnings issued due to wildfire smoke, residents engaged in outdoor activities, including volleyball, near the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. The elevated structure in the background is a railway bridge, a vital piece of transportation infrastructure that has served the city for decades. The presence of people enjoying the park highlights the resilience of community life even amidst environmental concerns.

Bikers crossing bridge during air quality alerts in Minneapolis — *May 18, 2023* — Cyclists ride across the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, under a sky obscured by smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Cars going down the street with bad air quality — *May 18, 2023* — Traffic moves along Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis under the E 28th Street bridge, obscured by smoke from Canadian wildfires. The dense haze significantly reduced visibility, impacting air quality across the city. This event highlighted the vulnerability of urban environments to distant environmental factors, affecting daily life and public health. The E 28th Street bridge is part of the infrastructure supporting transportation in Minneapolis, a city known for its extensive park system and commitment to urban planning.

Barely visible downtown skyline due to wildfire — *May 18, 2023* — Wildfire smoke from Canada drifts into Minneapolis, significantly reducing visibility of the downtown skyline. The smoke, a result of widespread wildfires, impacted air quality across the region. The image also shows a water tower, a common feature in urban environments providing essential water storage and pressure for municipal systems.

Light rail train and hazy wildfire skies in Minneapolis — *May 18, 2023* — A Metro Transit Light Rail train bound for the Mall of America travels through Minneapolis under a sky choked with smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Cars and pedestrians cross street on a hazy Lake Street — *May 18, 2023* — Hazy skies, a result of smoke from Canadian wildfires, blanket Lake Street in South Minneapolis.

Bikers cross road with hazy skies — *May 18, 2023* — Bicyclists navigate the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis under a sky obscured by smoke from Canadian wildfires. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile-long trail built on a former railroad corridor, serving as a vital piece of the city's active transportation network. This trail provides a safe and accessible route for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting various neighborhoods and parks across the city. The heavy haze, a result of widespread wildfires, significantly impacted air quality across the Midwest during the summer of 2023, highlighting the environmental challenges faced by urban areas.

Man and bicyclist on a biking trail with wildfire smoke — *May 18, 2023* — The Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis, a 5.7-mile paved urban trail, was developed on a former railroad corridor. It serves as a vital artery for cyclists and pedestrians, connecting diverse neighborhoods and providing a safe, car-free environment for recreation and commuting. On this day, wildfire smoke from Canada created a hazy atmosphere, impacting air quality and visibility for those using the trail for biking and jogging.

Canadian Wildfire Smoke in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Photographer