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 Friday, May 29, 2026 at 2:12 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Ozone levels have risen into the low Code Yellow range in the southwestern Piedmont and Triad this afternoon. Current daily average fine particulate levels are just over the Yellow threshold near the Charlotte and Fayetteville metro areas, and in the mid-to-upper Code Green range elsewhere.
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
Unsettled weather will continue on and off through Monday. Another backdoor cold front will drop down from the north on Saturday and into Sunday, followed by high pressure building in. Ample cloud cover should keep ozone well within the Green range on both days. Fine particulates may accumulate into the moderate range in the lower half of the state along the frontal boundary on Saturday, and then clear out from northeast to southwest on Sunday with the more maritime flow.
Outlook
Rain returns on Monday, along with a more continental-sourced southwesterly flow. I expect good air quality to continue, albeit with a rise in PM2.5 levels to upper Green.
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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