Air quality alert for Midlands Thursday

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An air quality alert was reported by the NWS Columbia SC on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in effect until Thursday at 8 p.m. The alert is for Northwestern Orangeburg, Central Orangeburg and Southeastern Orangeburg as well as McCormick, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Edgefield, Saluda, Lexington, Richland, Lee, Aiken, Sumter, Barnwell, Calhoun, Clarendon and Bamberg counties.

"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," according to the NWS.

This alert is in effect until Thursday at 8 p.m.

Air quality alerts: Your safety roadmap by 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 3:04 PM.