News Summary
An air quality alert has been issued for multiple counties in South Carolina due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. The alert affects numerous counties including Greenville and Spartanburg. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services also declared a Code Orange Ground Level Ozone Action Day, prompting health officials to advise sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities. Weather forecasts predict worsening air quality conditions, but potential rainfall later in the week might provide relief.
Greenville, South Carolina – An air quality alert has been issued for multiple counties in South Carolina due to the effects of Canadian wildfires. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Greenville-Spartanburg reported the alert early Monday morning at 6:04 a.m., which is in effect until 8 p.m. the same day. The regions impacted include Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, and over a dozen counties including Cherokee, York, Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Chester, Greenwood, Greenville, and Spartanburg.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has also declared a Code Orange Ground Level Ozone Action Day for both the Upstate and Catawba regions from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday. Elevated ozone levels are anticipated due to favorable weather conditions that are contributing to increased ground-level pollution.
Wildfires in Canada have been a primary factor in the deterioration of air quality in South Carolina. As of June 1, nearly four million acres have been burned in Canada, specifically in provinces such as Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. The smoke and particulate matter from these wildfires are actively affecting air quality in the Upper Midwest and throughout the Carolinas.
Weather forecasts indicate that sunshine coupled with rising temperatures in the 80s will further exacerbate the situation, leading to heightened levels of ground-level ozone. Currently, air quality indices reveal that approximately two-thirds of South Carolina finds itself in the moderate category, which could pose health risks particularly for sensitive groups.
Health officials have advised vulnerable populations, including children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory diseases, to limit outdoor activities during the duration of the alert. Continuous inhalation of particulate matter raises the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues, further emphasizing the need for precautions among these individuals.
The NWS has projected that air quality may worsen through Wednesday due to ongoing smoke from the wildfires. Visibility concerns, including hazy skies across South Carolina, have also been reported, affecting everyday activities for residents.
In response to the ongoing situation, Canadian firefighters have sought international assistance to manage the rapidly spreading wildfires. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a series of measures to help mitigate exposure to poor air quality. Residents are advised to reduce driving where possible, avoid idling vehicles, and utilize air purifiers within their homes during air quality alerts.
In a more hopeful turn, rainfall is expected to begin from Thursday and continue through the weekend. This precipitation may provide some relief, as it has the potential to clear the air and improve overall air quality conditions across South Carolina and neighboring areas.
As residents navigate this alert, it is essential to stay informed and take necessary health precautions to minimize the impact of poor air quality. Community members are encouraged to monitor updates and adhere to guidelines provided by health officials and environmental authorities.
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Additional Resources
- WXII 12 News
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- WLTX
- Google Search: Canadian wildfires impact on air quality
- Newsweek
- Google Scholar: Health effects of poor air quality
- ABC Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Pollution
- NBC News
- Google News: Air quality alerts
