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 Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 3:08 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Air quality is in the Code Green range statewide 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
An upper ridge will build over the east coast on Thursday and Friday with a broad trough over NC at the surface. Fine particulate levels will gradually rise during this period, with Code Yellow daily averages expected in the interior on Friday. Ozone levels, however, should hold in the Code Green range thanks to the moist air mass and associated cloud cover.
Outlook
A cold front will approach from the west on Saturday, trailing from a strong cyclone traversing the Great Lakes region. Air quality should improve during the afternoon in the western portions of the state but the frontal boundary won’t clear the Coastal Plain until Sunday. Fine particulate levels could remain elevated into the Yellow range in much of the eastern half of the state. Ozone levels will hold in the Green range statewide.
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.
Forecast Day
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Max AQI Range
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(Elevation > 4,000 feet)