Air Quality Alert In The CSRA
You’d never know it’s still February in the CSRA. Earlier this month, it was cold. Really cold. Snow and ice closed schools for a couple of days. Now it’s sunny with temperatures near 80. It’s not a record though. The record temperature for this date was 85 degrees, set in 1996. On the flip side, the temperature dropped to 12 degrees on this date in 1967.
You might be tempted to open your windows today and let the fresh air in, but that’s not a good idea. Especially if you have respiratory issues.
An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Richmond, Columbia, Aiken, Barnwell, Edgefield and McCormick Counties today, due to fine particulates in the air.
The National Weather Service says a code orange Air Quality Alert was issued for the South Carolina counties in the CSRA, since heavy concentrations of those fine particulates could exceed unhealthy standards for people who are sensitive to that type of pollution.
“There is high pressure over the Southeast that will continue to dominate the region and minimize smoke dispersion from numerous controlled burns in South Carolina and Georgia. Stable conditions and very little wind will enhance the noticeability of smoke, especially in the overnight and morning hours,” according to a statement from the National Weather Service.
Air Quality Alert Means Precautions For Some
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services recommends that if you have respiratory issues, you should limit your time outdoors today. Also, keep windows and doors closed and run the air conditioner, if need be.
For more information about fine particulates, visit https://fire.airnow.gov.
Special Weather Statement for Today
The National Weather Service says relative humidities of 25% or less can be expected for 4 or more hours this afternoon into the evening. With dry fuels, high fire danger conditions can be expected.
