Forecast Discussion

Current hourly ozone levels are in the Code Red range across Mecklenburg County, Code Orange range in parts of the Triad and in Wake County, and in Code Yellow range across other parts of the Piedmont and ridge tops. Daily average fine particulates are in Code Yellow range across most of the state except closer to the coast.

High pressure will again be influencing the state Wednesday and it'll be another day situated within a stagnating airmass. Sunshine, warmer temperatures, and a relatively dry and smoky airmass will again favor ozone formation and light winds will again raise the concern for some pooling. Given the high ozone readings from Tuesday and the stagnating airmass still in place, a Code Orange Air Quality Alert is being issued for Mecklenberg and Cabarrus counties for Wednesday (8/28/24) from 10AM to 8PM. With the smoky airmass still around, fine particulates are forecast to average in the Code Yellow range across much of the state.

The stagnating airmass will remain in place Thursday and Friday but a slight increase in moisture may help bring about scattered clouds which may slightly reduce ozone formation each day. Thursday's forecast remains in upper Code Yellow in the Charlotte area, but will continue to be watched for the possibility of Code Orange yet again. Lingering wildfire smoke will keep fine particulates in the Code Yellow range.