South Carolina Unknown Air Quality Alert | Effective 07/16/2026 13:43

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) has issued a Code Orange Ground Level Ozone Action Day for the Catawba region of South Carolina, from 10 AM to 8 PM EDT Friday. Dominant high pressure will ensure minimal cloud cover and light and variable winds. Long-range wildfire smoke will also transport ozone precursors into the area. These factors will allow for sufficient ozone production, compounding with weak dispersion characteristics of an already pollutant-loaded atmosphere. An ozone action day means that atmospheric conditions will likely produce unhealthy concentrations of ground level ozone air pollution. A Code Orange forecast indicates that ground level ozone concentrations are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, which includes people with lung disease, older adults, and children. Sensitive groups should reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion, take more breaks, and do less intense activities, especially during afternoon and early evening hours. You can help prevent ozone pollution by walking or riding your bicycle, taking your lunch to work, reducing idling, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned. For additional information, please visit the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services website at http://www.des.sc.gov/ozone or the Environmental Protection Agency AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov.