Forecast Discussion

Current hourly ozone readings are in Code Yellow range across parts of the Piedmont as well as the Fayetteville and Wilmington areas. Daily averages for fine particulates are currently in Code Yellow range across Davidson County. Elsewhere, air quality is in Code Green range.

The center of surface high pressure will slide off the coast Tuesday and an upper-level ridge will move overhead. Southeast to southwest winds will be found across the state on the western side of the high pressure system. This will lead to some pooling again across the western Piedmont and foothills where daily average fine particulates of Code Yellow are expected. Otherwise, fine particulates should decrease eastward across the state with some cleaner marine air mixing in closer to the coast. As for ozone, there should be a decent amount of sunshine across the eastern two-thirds of the state which will favor ozone formation. Expect Code Yellow ozone maximum 8-hour averages in the Charlotte area as well as Fayetteville to Raleigh area.

High pressure will remain anchored just off the coast Wednesday and Thursday. A cold front will move south into Virginia but will stall and eventually trek back northward as a warm front during this time. The front will remain north of North Carolina. Thus, the main driving factor of the weather the next couple of days will be the high pressure system and the southerly flow on the western side which will help to keep daily average fine particulates in Code Yellow range across much of the state. Code Yellow ozone will likely continue for the Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Raleigh areas.