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 Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 2:33 pm.
This is an old forecast that is no longer valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Hourly ozone levels are rising into the low Code Orange range across the Triad, western Triangle and Charlotte regions this afternoon, while remaining primarily in the Code Yellow range west of I-95 and the Code Green range elsewhere across the state 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, a backdoor front will push through the region and usher in a cooler and drier air mass. It appears that the current batch of smoke effecting the region should reduce some behind the front and air quality levels should at least improve somewhat -- back into the Code Yellow range -- or better with increased clouds and possibly a cleaner, drier air mass advecting into the region on northerly winds.
Outlook
Monday and Tuesday, an expansive Omega blocking regime is modeled to develop with the upper level ridging centered over south-central Canada. Northerly upper level winds are likely to send additional areas of smoke from Canadian wildfires southward towards the region early next week. It is very possible that additional elevated ozone and/or particle pollution levels will occur, but after the poor model performance over the past several days of smoke dispersion, will remain conservative with details until closer to time.
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
AQI Range
Category Range
North Ridges
South Ridges
(Elevation > 4,000 feet)