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 Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11:12 am.
This is an old forecast that is no longer valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Daily average fine particulates are in the Code Yellow range almost statewide this morning, and at the upper end of the range in the area from Charlotte west to the foothills of the mountains. Recent hourly values have risen into the Code Orange range in Rowan County as well as being measured on several PurpleAir sensors across that area.
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
We are issuing a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day effective immediately through midnight for the area between Charlotte and the foothills (Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, and Rowan Counties). An in-situ cold air damming wedge has led to a strong temperature inversion over the area, ample cloud cover, and drizzle. These conditions combined with lingering smoke from numerous prescribed burns and wildfires in the southeastern US has led to deteriorating air quality in our airshed. Although southwesterly winds should increase a bit this afternoon, with elevated PM2.5 in our source air mass in the GSP corridor followed by another temperature inversion setting up this evening, afternoon mixing will not be sufficient to clean out the particle pollution. Sensitive groups should reduced prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion today.
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)