Children advised to limit outdoor time in nine cities

Environmental officials are warning families in parts of South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, and California to limit outdoor activities for children due to unhealthy air quality expected on Tuesday. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to reach troubling levels in these regions. Wildfire smoke is largely responsible for the poor air quality in parts of South Carolina and North Carolina. High temperatures in Texas and California are also contributing to the problem. The AQI readings show that areas with an AQI over 101 are unhealthy for sensitive groups, and those with levels between 151 and 200 are unhealthy for everyone. According to forecasts, South Carolina will experience the worst air quality, particularly in cities like Greenville, Anderson, Augusta, and Spartanburg. In North Carolina, the area south of Asheville is expected to be affected. Houston in Texas and several cities in California, including Riverside and Santa Clarita, will also be facing unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has issued an alert, stating that smoke from local wildfires will drift into populated areas. They advise that elderly individuals and those with respiratory issues should also limit their time outdoors, along with children. Officials expect cooler temperatures to arrive in the Desert Southwest by the weekend, which may help improve the situation. Firefighters continue to work on containing the wildfires in North and South Carolina.