Air quality alert in place for Upstate SC until Thursday morning

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On Wednesday at 2:39 p.m. an air quality alert was reported by the NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC in effect until Thursday at 6 a.m. The alert is for Oconee Mountains, Pickens Mountains, Greater Oconee and Greater Pickens as well as Anderson, Abbeville, Laurens, Union, Greenwood, Greenville and Spartanburg counties.

"The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued a Code Orange Fine Particulates Action Day for the Upstate region region of South Carolina, until midnight Thursday night. 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. 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. South Carolina DES 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," explains the NWS.

This alert is in effect until Thursday at 6 a.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 2:41 PM.