Forecast Discussion

Daily average fine particulate readings in the Code Yellow range are being observed over parts of the Piedmont east to the Sandhills, with lower readings in the Code Green range over the Mountains and Coastal Plain.

Partly cloudy and warmer weather will continue Wednesday with light winds out of the southwest, shifting westerly in the evening as the high pressure center moves further offshore. With no significant air mass change, fine particulate readings may remain elevated in the Code Yellow range over the Piedmont and points east on Wednesday.

On Thursday, a frontal boundary will approach from the northwest and stall across the Carolina and Virginia Piedmont, allowing for cloudy skies and some areas of rain over the Mountains, though also potentially allowing for low clouds to offset stronger low-level wind fields. Daily average particulate readings will build until winds increase in the afternoon/evening, allowing for more mixing. Expect air quality in the low Code Yellow range in the interior of the state and upper Code Green elsewhere. Friday, more rain moves in from the southwest as the cold front passes through the state. The precipitation and decent mixing should result in daily average particulate readings in the upper Code Green range.