Coastal Carolina News Special Report
Canada may be hundreds of miles north of the Carolinas, but as we are seeing this week, smoke knows no boundaries. Driven by upper-level winds, smoke from hundreds of active wildfires across Canada and the northern United States has drifted south, bringing hazy skies and degraded air quality to our region.
Current Air Quality Status
-
North Carolina: The Department of Environmental Quality has issued Code Orange (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) Air Quality Action Days for ozone in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Wake, Durham, and Granville counties, effective from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on July 17. Much of the state remains in the Code Yellow (Moderate) range for fine particulate matter as the smoke continues to linger in our airshed.
-
South Carolina: The Department of Environmental Services has issued a Code Orange Ozone Action Day for the Catawba region, including York, Chester, and Lancaster counties effective from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on July 17. Other regions of the state are generally reporting Code Yellow (Moderate) or Code Green (Good) conditions.
Health Recommendations
When air quality reaches the Code Orange level, sensitive groups, including children, older adults, and individuals with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours and monitor local conditions as wind patterns shift.
Sources: AirNow.gov, NC DEQ, SCDES, and NWS
Coastal Carolina News is the updated branding for bcdollarsaver.com.
© 2026 CoastalCarolinaNews.com. All rights reserved
