More than 500,000 people in parts of Georgia and South Carolina were advised to keep their windows shut on Wednesday, after an air-quality alert was issued for the area.
Why It Matters
The alert warned that the concentration of fine particulates in the designated areas may reach or surpass levels considered unhealthy for individuals sensitive to particle pollution. Smoke particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to health issues such as asthma attacks, increased emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.
What To Know
A post on the National Weather Service (NWS) website informed residents that the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services had issued an air-quality alert for fine particulates for the following counties across the two states:
South Carolina
- Aiken
- Barnwell
- Edgefield
- McCormick
Georgia
- Columbia
- Richmond
“High pressure over the southeast U.S. will continue to dominate the region and minimize smoke dispersion from numerous controlled burns in South Carolina and Georgia,” the NWS alert read.
“Stable conditions and very little wind will enhance the noticeability of smoke, especially in the overnight and morning hours.”
The Department of Environment Services advised those with respiratory conditions to minimize outdoor exposure and, if possible, relocate all activities indoors to reduce exposure to smoke and fine particulates.
According to local weather reports from outlets such as WRDW, high pressure over the region will create stagnant conditions and poor air quality on Wednesday.
Conditions were set to improve Thursday with breezy weather and a chance of rain later in the evening.
What People Are Saying
The air quality alert from the NWS advised: “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.”
WRDW meteorologist Riley Hale said: “It is a code orange—meaning it is unhealthy for most people but really just unhealthy for those few that suffer from respiratory issues.
“Those folks definitely need to limit their time outside.”
Hale added: “Once we get into Thursday, we are expecting that wind to pick up and air quality should improve as a front moves through the region.”
What Happens Next
At the time of writing, the air quality alert for the area was in effect for Wednesday.
The NWS issues regular forecast updates on its website.
The weather service said those seeking more information about fine particles can visit AirNow.gov.
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