UPDATE: Air quality alert for Midlands Thursday

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An updated air quality alert was reported by the NWS Columbia SC on Wednesday at 5:04 p.m. in effect until Thursday at 8 p.m. The alert is for McCormick, Edgefield, Aiken and Barnwell counties.

"The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services in Columbia SC has issued a Code Orange Ozone Action Day for the Central Savannah River region of South Carolina in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday. Stagnant high pressure will bring another day of low humidity and very warm temperatures to region on Thursday. As there is already a considerable level of pollutants in the atmosphere, another day of these conditions will result in significant ozone production on Thursday. Wildfire smoke may also help to increase ozone concentrations across parts of the region. All the remaining South Carolina forecast zones are predicted to have ground-level ozone peaks in the yellow category," 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.