Forecast Discussion

Hourly ozone levels are well into the Code Orange range across the high elevation ridge top monitors this morning. Elsewhere, ozone levels are currently in the Code Green range (for now) across the state. Particle pollution levels are currently in the mid Code Yellow range, with the exception in Brunswick County near the Pulp Road fire where levels likely remain in the Code Red range.

Hourly ozone levels aloft are signaling significant ozone that will mix down across western NC later this morning. This, along with enhanced surface level smoke will likely result in ozone rising into the Code Orange range in the Triangle and Charlotte region, and upper Code Yellow range elsewhere across the state. Satellite still indicates significant smoke currently blowing north to south from the Pulp Road fire in Brunswick County, where localized Code Red conditions remain possible. Have increased the ozone forecast considering the magnitude of elevated ozone aloft and the incoming smoke, along with yesterday's max. 8-hour ozone concentrations across the state.