Greenville, South Carolina – Hazy skies and glowing red sunrises across South Carolina on Friday are the result of dense Canadian wildfire smoke blanketing much of the eastern U.S., impacting air quality across 25 states.
According to the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg, smoke plumes from ongoing wildfires in central and western Canada have descended into the Southeast, bringing elevated levels of fine particulate matter. The thickest concentrations stretch from Minnesota to Florida and as far east as Virginia.
Residents in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Asheville are reporting reduced visibility and mild irritation while outdoors. Sensitive groups — including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions — are advised to limit time outside and avoid strenuous activity. Some school districts have moved recess indoors and advised families to monitor AQI levels.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s smoke model shows elevated vertically integrated smoke levels persisting into Saturday morning, particularly across the Carolinas, Tennessee, and northern Georgia.
Drivers should also be aware of lower visibility during early morning and evening hours. Keep windows closed, run air filters if possible, and minimize outdoor exposure.
The haze is expected to thin out slowly over the weekend, but additional waves of smoke remain possible depending on wind patterns and ongoing fire activity in Canada.
