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 Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 2:03 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Current daily average PM2.5 concentrations are in the Code Yellow range in the western half of the state as of this afternoon. Ozone levels are Code Green statewide.
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
PM2.5 levels will continue to improve across the state on Sunday, corresponding to the now smoke-free east-northeasterly flow and the slow erosion of the cold air dam. Daily average concentrations will remain in the Code Yellow range for most of the state, higher towards the western Piedmont and Mountains where pollution has accumulated. The unseasonably cool and cloudy weather associated with the CAD will continue to result in Code Green ozone levels across the state.
Outlook
On Monday and Tuesday, low-level winds will veer south-southeasterly as the high pressure to our north weakens and drifts further offshore. The CAD feature will erode, and we’ll see higher dewpoints and more typical summer diurnal convection return. Daily average fine particulate levels will continue to drop, with low Code Yellow conditions lingering in the western Piedmont on Monday but lowering into the Code Green range statewide on Tuesday. Ozone, again, will not be an issue through at least mid-week.
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)