Forecast Discussion

Ozone levels are holding in the Code Green range statewide today while fine particulate levels across the interior from Charlotte to the Triangle are elevated into the low Code Yellow range, while remaining in the Code Green range elsewhere across the state.

The 500 mb complex of an upper trough with a partially captured Hurricane Imelda and Humberto will finally depart the southeast as the entire circulation is pulled eastward by a large upper level vortex (which will be called the Polar Vortex in two months) before eventually getting left in the North Atlantic.

Behind this system, upper level ridging will build into the eastern U.S. resulting in dry, pleasant fall conditions. Surface high pressure will build down the Appalachians and deliver a cool, dry air mass through the forecast period. Air quality levels should lower into the Code Green range once the drier air works into the region on Thursday.

Fine particulate levels may remain in the Code Yellow range across the interior tomorrow as a final slug of elevated fine particulate air moves through the region. Behind this, a drier, cleaner air mass should work into the region for the remainder of the work week.