FIRST ALERT: Air quality at code orange for Midlands

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COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Dozens of South Carolina counties, including those in the Midlands, are under an Air Quality Alert of Code Orange through midnight Tuesday due to smoke from wildfires in the Upstate, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

People with respiratory issues, young children and the elderly are encouraged to stay indoors Tuesday, if possible.

About two-dozen wildfires are burning throughout the Southeast.

DHEC says depending on wind conditions, multiple areas could be affected by the smoke. Health officials say these conditions are expected to continue for several days.

"You're going to smell the smoke today and you're going to see it," said WIS First Alert Meteorologist Tim Miller.

According to Rhonda Thompson, DHEC Chief of the Bureau of Air Quality, "Smoke from these fires can irritate the eyes and respiratory system, as well as aggravate or exacerbate chronic heart and lung diseases."

DHEC recommends individuals with respiratory health issues limit time spent outdoors to avoid the smoke.Take measures to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Keep windows and doors closed. If operating an air conditioner/central heating unit, keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside.

Warm and dry conditions continue for the next several days.

A cold front will be here late Saturday with another shot of cold air. At or below freezing temperatures during the morning hours into early next
week.

Tuesday: Fog and areas of smoke from the wildfires in NC will make for a dreary start to the day. Once the sun comes up and the air begins to mix the fog will lift and we’ll see hazy sunshine by midday with afternoon highs in the upper 60s to near 70° (areas of smoke will be around much of the day).
Wednesday through Saturday: Mostly sunny, highs in the lower 70s.