...Corrected to remove Lancaster County from the Alert... The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services in Columbia SC has issued a Code Orange Ozone Action Day for the Central Midlands region of South Carolina in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. Stagnant high pressure will bring another day of low humidity and very warm temperatures to region on Thursday. As there is already a considerable level of pollutants in the atmosphere, another day of these conditions will result in significant ozone production on Thursday. Wildfire smoke may also help to increase ozone concentrations across parts of the region. All the remaining South Carolina forecast zones are predicted to have ground-level ozone peaks in the yellow category. An ozone action day means that atmospheric conditions will likely produce unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone air pollution. A Code Orange forecast indicates that ground level ozone concentrations are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, which includes people with lung disease, older adults, and children. Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, and do less intense activities, especially during afternoon and early evening hours. You can help prevent ozone pollution by walking or riding your bicycle, taking your lunch to work, reducing idling, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. For additional information, please visit the SCDES website at http://www.des.sc.gov/ozone or the Environmental Protection Agency AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov. South Carolina Air Quality Forecast: des.sc.gov/airqualityforecast

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for fine particulates for the Central Savannah River, Central Midlands, and portions of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina through Thursday evening. A code orange Air Quality Alert means that the fine particulate concentrations within the specified areas may approach or exceed unhealthy standards for individuals sensitive to particle pollution. Southerly winds on the west side of high pressure centered just off the Southeast coast will continue to transport smoke from the southern Georgia wildfires into South Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). As of the early afternoon hours Wednesday, air quality was already deteriorating over the CSRA and Midlands regions. As stable conditions develop tonight, smoke is expected to expand in coverage and become noticeable. Smoke from the wildfires is expected to continue to affect the region on Thursday. SCDES recommends that individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spend outdoors and/or move all activities indoors to avoid the smoke or fine particulates. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke and fine particulates from getting inside. For more information about fine particulates, please visit: https://fire.airnow.gov For more information about wildfires/prescribed burns, please visit: https://www.scfc.gov/

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services in Columbia SC has issued a Code Orange Ozone Action Day for the Central Midlands region of South Carolina in effect from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday. Stagnant high pressure will bring another day of low humidity and very warm temperatures to region on Thursday. As there is already a considerable level of pollutants in the atmosphere, another day of these conditions will result in significant ozone production on Thursday. Wildfire smoke may also help to increase ozone concentrations across parts of the region. All the remaining South Carolina forecast zones are predicted to have ground-level ozone peaks in the yellow category. An ozone action day means that atmospheric conditions will likely produce unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone air pollution. A Code Orange forecast indicates that ground level ozone concentrations are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, which includes people with lung disease, older adults, and children. Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, and do less intense activities, especially during afternoon and early evening hours. You can help prevent ozone pollution by walking or riding your bicycle, taking your lunch to work, reducing idling, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. For additional information, please visit the SCDES website at http://www.des.sc.gov/ozone or the Environmental Protection Agency AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov. South Carolina Air Quality Forecast: des.sc.gov/airqualityforecast

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for fine particulates for the Central Savannah River, Central Midlands, and portions of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina through Thursday evening. A code orange Air Quality Alert means that the fine particulate concentrations within the specified areas may approach or exceed unhealthy standards for individuals sensitive to particle pollution. Southerly winds on the west side of high pressure centered just off the Southeast coast will continue to transport smoke from the southern Georgia wildfires into South Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). As of the early afternoon hours Wednesday, air quality was already deteriorating over the CSRA and Midlands regions. As stable conditions develop tonight, smoke is expected to expand in coverage and become noticeable. Smoke from the wildfires is expected to continue to affect the region on Thursday. SCDES recommends that individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spend outdoors and/or move all activities indoors to avoid the smoke or fine particulates. Keep windows and doors closed. Run an air conditioner if you have one but keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke and fine particulates from getting inside. For more information about fine particulates, please visit: https://fire.airnow.gov For more information about wildfires/prescribed burns, please visit: https://www.scfc.gov/