Air Quality Alert Issued for South Dakota Due to Canadian Wildfire Smoke | Local News

{KXLG – Watertown, SD} The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has issued an air quality alert for areas of South Dakota expected to be affected by smoke drifting from wildfires in Canada. The alert will be in effect starting on Saturday, May 31, 2025, and continuing through Sunday, June 1, 2025, or until air quality conditions improve.

The wildfire smoke has the potential to cause low visibility and an increase in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in the air. The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) advises that these elevated levels of PM2.5 may pose a health concern to the public and encourages residents to stay informed to make appropriate personal healthcare decisions.

The DANR and DOH emphasize that elderly citizens, young children, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke. All residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and minimize time spent outdoors when visibility is reduced due to the smoke. Closing windows and doors is also recommended to keep indoor air clean.

Aberdeen, SD – National Weather Service in Aberdeen, SD

Exposure to air pollution can worsen heart and cardiovascular disease, as well as lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. During periods of unhealthy air quality, individuals with these conditions may experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, or fatigue. Anyone with concerns about health effects related to poor air quality should contact their healthcare provider.

The DANR’s website provides real-time air quality data for various locations across South Dakota. Hourly PM2.5 values exceeding 35 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) are considered a level of concern for public health.

Residents can monitor real-time PM2.5 concentrations by visiting the DANR website at or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at https://www.airnow.gov/.

When last checked at 2:00 pm, it was a “good” classification, with no active caution.

For a detailed explanation of the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and their meanings, residents can visit the DANR website at https://danr.sd.gov/Environment/AirQuality/AirMonitoring/RealTimeData.aspx.

The EPA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also created an easy-to-use outdoor activity and air quality guide for schools, daycares, and summer camps, which can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/air-quality-and-outdoor-activity-guidance-2014.pdf. Residents are encouraged to utilize these resources to stay informed and take necessary precautions during the air quality alert.