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 Thursday, June 8, 2023 at 10:57 am.
This is an old forecast that is no longer valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Fine particulate concentrations are rising statewide into the mid-to-upper Code Yellow range thus far this morning. Current ozone concentrations are Code Green statewide.
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
No changes to today’s fine particulate forecast will be made this morning. Although fine particulate concentrations backed off overnight, levels are rising this morning as smoke continues to drift into the state from the northwest. Fine particulates within wildfire smoke are notoriously volatile in quantity and fickle in timing. Yesterday was a prime example of that phenomenon, and today looks to be the same; significant swings in hourly readings are likely today. Elevated values observed in our source air mass region suggest that smoke aloft will continue to mix down to the surface across the state throughout the day. A Code ORANGE Air Quality Action Day will remain in effect statewide until midnight tonight. Minor changes have been made to the ozone forecast this morning to reflect increased ozone potential in the mid-Code Yellow range over the Charlotte and Triangle metros, as well as the ridge tops today.
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.
(Elevation > 4,000 feet)