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, July 14, 2026 at 3:45 pm.
This is an old forecast that is no longer valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Air quality is in Code Green range across the state today.
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
A pattern of stagnating conditions across the state will begin Wednesday as high pressure will be over the state along with a strong upper-level ridge. We should see plenty of sunshine and a very warm afternoon and winds are expected to be very light. This should lead to favorable conditions for ozone production, especially in the Charlotte region and the Triangle. There's also wildfire smoke to our north that we'll be watching. Some of the smoke aloft could begin to move into the state Wednesday, although how much will be near the surface is still a bit questionable. Regardless, ozone production should be ramped up Wednesday and we are issuing a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for ozone for Mecklenburg County from 10 AM through 8 PM Wednesday. Fine particulates are expected to be in Code Yellow range for most of the state.
Outlook
An upper-level ridge will remain over the state Thursday and Friday and we'll continue to see stagnating conditions. There will be a weak backdoor front that approaches the state Friday, but wildfire smoke could follow behind it. With winds being light, and plenty of sunshine and warmth, ozone levels will continue to remain elevated. It's possible additional alerts may need to be issued Thursday.
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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(Elevation > 4,000 feet)