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 Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 3:07 pm.
This is an old forecast that is no longer valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Current daily average fine particulate levels are in the Code Yellow range in the Piedmont and mid-upper Code Green range elsewhere. Ozone levels have risen into the low Yellow range near Wilmington this afternoon.
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
Wednesday and Thursday, small shortwave disturbances will interact with the stalled front over North Carolina, and combined with diurnal heating will result in scattered showers/thunderstorms each day. Ozone will hold in the mid-upper Code Green range statewide thanks to the moist air mass and abundant cloud cover. However, particle pollution will likely stay elevated into the Code Yellow range for large portions of the interior as the frontal boundary lingers and heavy precip will be very localized.
Have again kept the forecast at the higher end of the moderate range for the counties contending with wildfire activity (McDowell County’s Bee Rock Creek fire, Graham County’s Haoe Lead fire, and Swain County’s Sam Davis Road fire) but the recent rain has helped decrease smoke impacts.
Have again kept the forecast at the higher end of the moderate range for the counties contending with wildfire activity (McDowell County’s Bee Rock Creek fire, Graham County’s Haoe Lead fire, and Swain County’s Sam Davis Road fire) but the recent rain has helped decrease smoke impacts.
Outlook
The unsettled forecast persists through Friday when the frontal boundary will lift north as a warm front. Ozone may reach the low Yellow range in the major metro areas in the interior, and fine particulates will likely stay elevated into the Yellow range in the Piedmont as well.
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.
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