Forecast Discussion

Fine particulate values in the upper Code Orange to low Code Red range are being observed this morning throughout much of the Piedmont and interior of the state, with mid-to-upper Code Yellow levels elsewhere. Code Yellow ozone values are present in the southern ridge tops, with Code Green values elsewhere across the state.

This morning, visibility has been reduced for the majority of NC due to haze and smoke that has been transported down from Canadian wildfires. Light WNW winds are being observed and cloud cover has moved in over the northern half of the state. Overnight and into this morning, fine particulate values have hovered in the mid-to-upper Code Orange range in the interior with localized Code Red values; we expect that some localized Code Red conditions may persist throughout the day within the Alert area and therefore no changes will be made to the fine particulate forecast at this time. In terms of ozone, clear skies in the southern half of the state this afternoon should allow ozone values to increase into the Code Yellow range while the northern portion remains in the Code Green range due to cloud cover. No changes to the ozone forecast at this time.