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, February 1, 2025 at 1:28 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Current daily average PM2.5 concentrations are in the Code Green range across the state today. Areas in the immediate vicinity of the North Fork Fire in McDowell County may be experiencing higher levels of particle pollution and a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day is in effect in those areas (McDowell and Burke Counties) through midnight tonight.
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
Based on the latest information regarding the North Fork Fire currently burning in McDowell County, the fire has burned 644 acres and is now 60% contained. Even though the rainfall on Friday did not entirely extinguish the blaze, fire activity has decreased and therefore smoke impacts are expected to decrease on Sunday.
Sunday will feature very dry westerly flow at the upper levels and surface high pressure to the north; onshore return flow around the high will push any accumulated particle pollution to the west. Code Yellow daily average PM2.5 concentrations are possible much of the western half of the state.
Sunday will feature very dry westerly flow at the upper levels and surface high pressure to the north; onshore return flow around the high will push any accumulated particle pollution to the west. Code Yellow daily average PM2.5 concentrations are possible much of the western half of the state.
Outlook
Another area of surface high pressure will develop off the southeastern US coast on Monday, and winds will veer more south-southwesterly; moderate Code Yellow conditions are expected throughout most of the state on Monday as the air shed stagnates. On Tuesday, a low pressure system will glance by to our north and begin to drag a cold front across the state. Areas in northern NC may benefit from this on Tuesday and see some cleaner PM2.5 levels, but the front doesn’t look to clear the southern portion of the state until Wednesday.
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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