Forecast Discussion

Current daily averages of fine particulates are in Code Green range statewide, except for the Wilmington area where averages are running in low Code Yellow range. Hourly ozone readings are in Code Green range. Code Green air quality is expected across the state today.

Scattered showers and clouds will be around to start the day on Sunday, as the circulation of Isaias weakens west of the Appalachians and a secondary low pressure area forms across NC/VA. Drier air will begin to wrap around into the state as the day progresses, which should lead to lowering coverage of precipitation and possibly some sunshine returning for parts of the state. Enough instability ahead of a cool front moving across the state midday through the afternoon may lead to a line of discrete thunderstorms, some which could be severe, across central and eastern NC. With some lingering rain and clouds and the airshed already cleaned out, along with stiff winds, air quality will remain in Code Green range statewide.

Stiff northwest flow is expected across the state on Monday in the wake of Isaias but dry conditions are expected as high pressure builds in through the midweek. With the airshed clean, and the incoming airmass rather clean as well, air quality is expected to remain in Code Green range. However, we will start to see fine particulates and ozone slightly increase as the airshed slowly begins to stagnate.