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 Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 10:29 am.
This is an old forecast that is no longer valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
There are three prominent areas of wildfire smoke impacting NC counties this morning.
1) A new wildfire, estimated at around 500 acres, has developed in southeastern Swain County. A significant smoke plume can be seen on satellite extending from this fire southeastward into Jackson County and this is expected to continue through the afternoon as winds increase out of the northwest. A Code Red (Swain) and Orange (Jackson) Air Quality Action Day has been issued for these counties.
2) The Table Rock fire in Greenvile County, SC continues to produce a prodigious smoke plume that is skirting along southern Transylvania and Henderson County, and going right into western Polk County.
3) Smoke is likely continuing in the vicinity of the Black Cove Complex fires in western Polk County, which will likely increase during the day as surface winds strengthen. This plume would move southeastward as well, impacting southeast Polk and possible far south/southwestern Rutherford County. A Code Red (Polk) and Orange (Henderson) Air Quality Action Day has been issued for these counties.
We're also continuing to see some indications of smoke from two 100% contained fires in New Hanover County near Castle Hayne. It's also possible some smoke is still being produced from the remnants of the Crusoe Island Rd. fire in Columbus County. Elsewhere across the state, air quality is predominantly in the Code Green range statewide.
1) A new wildfire, estimated at around 500 acres, has developed in southeastern Swain County. A significant smoke plume can be seen on satellite extending from this fire southeastward into Jackson County and this is expected to continue through the afternoon as winds increase out of the northwest. A Code Red (Swain) and Orange (Jackson) Air Quality Action Day has been issued for these counties.
2) The Table Rock fire in Greenvile County, SC continues to produce a prodigious smoke plume that is skirting along southern Transylvania and Henderson County, and going right into western Polk County.
3) Smoke is likely continuing in the vicinity of the Black Cove Complex fires in western Polk County, which will likely increase during the day as surface winds strengthen. This plume would move southeastward as well, impacting southeast Polk and possible far south/southwestern Rutherford County. A Code Red (Polk) and Orange (Henderson) Air Quality Action Day has been issued for these counties.
We're also continuing to see some indications of smoke from two 100% contained fires in New Hanover County near Castle Hayne. It's also possible some smoke is still being produced from the remnants of the Crusoe Island Rd. fire in Columbus County. Elsewhere across the state, air quality is predominantly in the Code Green range 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
For the rest of today, high pressure building in from the west will result in increasing northwesterly winds and mostly sunny skies. Continued dry conditions may result in additional wildfire development and a statewide burn ban remains in effect.
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.
(Elevation > 4,000 feet)