Air Quality Portal
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 Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 3:37 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Showers and storms across the state are holding ozone levels in the Code Green range. The rain-cleansed air mass has held fine particulate levels in the Code Green range across most of the state, with the Fayetteville to Raleigh to Rocky Mount corridor being the only exception where values continue to run in the low Code Yellow range.
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
Wednesday on into Thursday, high pressure from the Ohio Valley will propel a cold front through the state on Tuesday afternoon, with drier air filtering in behind the front. With mostly sunny skies and light winds — with dry air in place — ozone levels may respond in the Charlotte region. With the relatively clean and dry air mass, fine particulate levels should slowly rise, but mostly hold in the Code Green range.
Outlook
On Friday, a similar overall synoptic pattern will continue with the only change being a small amount of H5 PVA advecting in from a shortwave coming out of the Plains. With a humid air mass in place, this could be enough to trigger some afternoon showers and storms. Will continue to monitor and hold the air quality forecast Code Green for now.
Daily PM2.5 values > 9.0 μg/m³, or in the Code Yellow range or higher, may contribute to an exceedance of the EPA's annual PM2.5 standard.
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.
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