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, December 30, 2025 at 11:37 am.
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
Good air quality is expected again on Wednesday. With a lee trough over the area and high pressure to the southwest, somewhat breezy conditions will persist thanks to the tighter pressure gradient between these features. That should help with dispersing any fine particulate emissions during the day, but concentrations will likely increase in the evening and overnight when temperature inversions set up and trap smoke from residential wood burning and NYE fireworks.
Outlook
The weak surface low to the north will drag a cold front through beginning around midday on Thursday, followed by a weakening area of Canadian high pressure approaching from the northwest. Upper Code Green daily average PM2.5 concentrations are expected statewide. Lighter winds veering southwesterly on Friday will encourage particle pollution to build up and daily averages may reach the Code Yellow range in parts of the Piedmont.
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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(Elevation > 4,000 feet)