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 Monday, January 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Air quality levels are holding in the Code Green range statewide 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
Tomorrow into Wednesday, high pressure building overhead will result in a stagnating air mass. With cold overnight temperatures combined with a strong low-level temperature inversion, expect hourly fine particulate levels to elevated overnight before mixing out during the afternoon. Daily averages should slowly climb towards the upper Code Green to lower Code Yellow range, with highest values likely in the western Piedmont.
Outlook
Thursday, a digging upper level trough will send another strong cold front through the region early in the day, which should lower fine particulate levels back into the Code Green range statewide.
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.
Forecast Day
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Max AQI Range
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(Elevation > 4,000 feet)