Air Quality Forecast 

The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) provides daily forecasts for air pollutants across the state. These forecasts help South Carolinians take precautions on days with expected increases in Ozone and Particulate Matter. 

 

Pollutants Highlighted 

Ground-level Ozone is a colorless, reactive gas that forms through atmospheric chemical reactions between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. Ozone is typically emitted through sources such as vehicles, industrial facilities, and electric utilities. Exposure to ozone can cause breathing problems for children, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions, and adults working or exercising outdoors.

High ozone concentrations generally occur on hot, sunny days in the spring and summer – check your daily Ozone Forecast between April 1st – September 30th. 

Particulate Matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets in the air from vehicle emissions, industrial facilities, wood burning, and dust. The smallest particles—PM2.5—pose the greatest health risk, as particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, causing serious respiratory and cardiovascular problems.

 

You can also check your daily local and state air quality through EnviroFlash or EPA's AirNow mobile app. 
 

 

The SC Forestry Commission (SCFC) provides user-friendly maps that identify active wildfires and prescribed burn activities throughout South Carolina.  

The Saharan Air Layer has unique properties of warmth, dry air, and strong winds that can have significant moderating impacts on tropical cyclone formation and intensification.

SC Ambient Air Monitoring Network  

SCDES operates air monitoring stations across South Carolina to measure pollutants in outdoor air that harm public health and the environment. SCDES's South Carolina Ambient Air Monitoring Map provides location of all the air quality monitoring stations in South Carolina.

Contact

SCDES Modeling Section 

Gregory Quina, Modeling Section Manager 

Andrew Kingston, Lead Meteorologist