Forecast Discussion

Current hourly ozone readings are in Code Orange range across Mecklenburg County and Code Green range elsewhere. Daily averages of fine particulates are averaging in Code Yellow range across the Western Piedmont.

The upper-level trough will weaken and begin to lift northward Saturday. At the surface, high pressure will build in from the north and we'll see a weak frontal boundary stalled across the state. This will lead to scattered clouds and precipitation that should help reduce ozone production and lead to Code Green maximum 8-hour averages. Light winds, turning more out of the southeast later in the day, may lead to some pooling of fine particulates across the western portion of the state where fine particulate averages are expected to be in Code Yellow range.

An upper-level ridge will begin to strengthen over the state Sunday and Monday with high pressure building at the surface. The overall pattern will begin to turn hot with stagnating conditions, especially during the early to middle part of the week. Air quality should be mostly in Code Green range Sunday, but Code Yellow conditions will begin to increase on Monday as the airshed becomes increasingly stagnate.