Why is it smoky in Hilton Head? What to know about the air quality alert
Residents of Hilton Head Island might smell smoke or notice a slight haze Thursday as the area sees the effects of massive wildfires burning in Florida and southern Georgia.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services issued an air quality alert for most of the Lowcountry, including Beaufort County, as southerly winds continue to push the smoke into the area. The alert, which warns of tiny airborne particles that can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, is scheduled to end at 8 p.m. Thursday, the agency said.
Spanning more than 50 square miles in Florida and Georgia, the wildfires have destroyed dozens of homes and forced hundreds of people to evacuate, according to ABC 4 News. Meteorologists say the fires have been fueled by extreme drought conditions in the region.
All S.C. counties remain under a burn ban that was issued Friday, according to the state forestry commission. The agency cited “rapidly escalating drought conditions” that have sparked similar orders in large parts of Georgia and Florida.
Due to the expected decline in air quality, SCDES recommends individuals with respiratory issues limit their time outdoors to avoid the smoke and airborne particles.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 9:03 AM.
