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 Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 1:32 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Current daily average PM2.5 concentrations are in the Code Yellow range at most locations except for the Coastal Plain where Code Green conditions are holding.
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
As the low pressure system departs northeast along the coast on Monday, gusty northerly winds will transport a swath of moderate fine particulates into the eastern half of the state, but should clear things out to the west. Weak high pressure will build in behind the system.
Outlook
The weak surface high overhead will drift offshore on Tuesday. Winds will veer southwesterly, setting up another day of widespread Code Yellow PM2.5 concentrations. Much breezier conditions are expected Wednesday as the pressure gradient tightens up along a passing low pressure system to our north. I expect the airshed to remain elevated in the Code Yellow range throughout the interior.
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)