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, January 14, 2026 at 3:02 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Hourly fine particulate levels across much of the state are in the Code Yellow range, with the primary exception being from Asheville over to Charlotte where levels have remained in the Code Green range.
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
Thursday on into Friday, a digging upper level trough will send another strong cold front through the region early Thursday, which should lower fine particulate levels back into the Code Green range statewide and keep them there through Friday as a very dry and cold air mass builds in.
Outlook
Saturday, the antecedent air mass will continue to slowly stagnate ahead of the next Arctic cold front that will rapidly approach from the west by the evening. Overnight fine particulate levels may rise into the Code Yellow range across interior sections before likely mixing out during Saturday afternoon due to an increasing southwesterly wind ahead of the front.
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.
(Elevation > 4,000 feet)