Air quality alert affecting Lowcountry until early Friday

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The NWS Charleston SC reported an air quality alert at 1:57 p.m. on Wednesday in effect until Friday at midnight. The alert is for Inland Colleton, Inland Berkeley, Inland Jasper, Coastal Colleton, Coastal Jasper and Tidal Berkeley as well as Allendale, Hampton, Dorchester, Beaufort and Charleston counties.

"The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has issued an Air Quality Alert for fine particulates for Allendale, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Hampton, and Jasper counties in South Carolina. An Air Quality Alert means that the fine particulate concentrations within the specified areas may approach or exceed unhealthy standards for most of the general public. Southerly winds on the west side of high pressure centered just off the Southeast coast will continue transport smoke from the southern Georgia wildfires into South Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area. As of the early afternoon hours Wednesday, air quality was already deteriorating over the Central Savannah River Area and the Midlands. As stable conditions develop this evening and overnight, smoke is expected to expand in coverage and become more noticeable. Smoke from the wildfires is expected to continue to affect the region on Thursday. The department recommends that individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spent 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. Please note that locations closest to the wildfire activity are more likely to experience smoke at any given time," explains the NWS.

This alert is in effect until Friday at midnight.

Air quality alert: Your safety checklist from the NWS

• Stay inside if possible, particularly if you have respiratory concerns or other health problems, or are a senior or child.
• If you must go out, try to limit the amount of time you are out to strictly essential activities.
• Minimize your use of items that increase pollution, such as cars, gas-powered lawnmowers, and other vehicles.
• Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert.
• Stay Informed - Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite weather news station.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots South Carolina

This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 2:01 PM.