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 Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 3:16 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Air quality is 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
High pressure will continue to dominate on Monday with southwesterly return flow out of the GA/SC region -- during a still-active fire season -- likely to lead to a buildup of particle pollution into the low Code Yellow range in the interior. Clear skies will encourage ozone formation, with low Code Yellow conditions possible for the ridge tops, Charlotte, Fayetteville and Wilmington areas.
Outlook
On Tuesday into Wednesday a weak shortwave disturbance will approach from the west and impact the state. Cloud cover should help keep ozone levels in the upper Code Green range in most locations on both days, but have forecasted the potential for low Code Yellow concentrations in the ridge top, Charlotte and Fayetteville areas for now. That cloud cover combined with very light precipitation and light winds has the potential to pull down and trap any elevated pollution in the region due to any agricultural or prescribed burning. For this reason, low Code Yellow conditions may be possible in the interior on both days, but this will be monitored and adjusted in the coming days if needed.
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)