Greenville, S.C. – Unhealthy ozone levels are expected to blanket much of Upstate South Carolina Monday, triggering a Code Orange Air Quality Alert from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
According to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, the alert covers the Upstate and Catawba regions, including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Rock Hill, and Lancaster. A stagnant atmosphere, low wind speeds, and residual Canadian wildfire smoke have combined to create conditions ripe for elevated ground-level ozone—particularly dangerous for children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions.
Residents in Cherokee, York, Laurens, Union, Chester, Greenwood, and surrounding mountain and foothill areas should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon and early evening. Local agencies recommend staying indoors when possible, using air conditioning to circulate indoor air, and postponing mowing or other emissions-heavy tasks.
The Code Orange designation means ozone concentrations will likely reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children and seniors are urged to take breaks and avoid prolonged exertion outside.
Monday’s ozone spike follows unexpectedly high weekend readings and may not be the last if stagnant summer air patterns persist. Officials advise residents to check real-time air quality updates at airnow.gov.
