Forecast Discussion
The North Carolina Division of Air Quality issues forecasts for fine particulate matter year-round and ozone from March through October. Forecasts and discussions are updated each afternoon for the next three days, and are sometimes updated in the morning to reflect the latest ambient conditions.
This forecast was issued on Monday, May 20, 2024 at 3:55 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Ozone and daily average fine particulates are in the Code Green range statewide thus far today.
For a display of the most recent Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions throughout the day, visit the Ambient Information Reporter (AIR) tool.
General Forecast Discussion
On Tuesday, surface high pressure will continue to sit over the Mid Atlantic coast beneath an elongated mid-level ridge over the eastern US. Onshore return flow will help keep the coastal counties in the Code Green range for both ozone and fine particulates tomorrow, but further inland the air mass will stagnate due to light and variable surface winds. Ozone could reach into the low Code Yellow range near the Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Triangle metro areas during the afternoon, as well as the Mountain ridge tops in the early morning due to a strong overnight inversion. Particle pollution may begin to build into the low Code Yellow range in most of the Piedmont and Sandhills.
Outlook
Air mass stagnation will intensify on Wednesday into Thursday as high pressure continues to dominate even as it drifts offshore, and surface winds shift out of the southwest. Ozone could reach the Code Yellow range in much of the Piedmont, Sandhills, Greenville and Wilmington metro areas, as well as the Mountain ridge tops. Fine particulates could reach the Code Yellow range in much of central NC on Wednesday and expand to include the Mountains on Thursday.
Extended Air Quality Outlook
The forecast Air Quality Index value for each pollutant represents the highest value expected within each county, so some areas and monitors may see lower values. We use the best information and techniques available to ensure the quality and accuracy of the forecasts we provide to the public. Note that ranges do not include the nine-county Triad region, which is covered by the Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection.
Forecast Day
AQI Range
Category Range
Download KML
North Ridges
South Ridges
(Elevation > 4,000 feet)