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 Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 2:30 pm.
This forecast is currently valid.
Today's Air Quality Conditions
Air quality is in the Code Green range statewide 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
The next shortwave disturbance will approach from the southwest on Friday evening into Saturday. With winds shifting out of the southwest in the mid-upper levels, plenty of moisture and cloud cover will keep ozone in the Code Green range. Particle pollution may reach the low Code Yellow range in portions of the southern Piedmont where surface winds will be calm/recirculating during the day prior to the arrival of precipitation in the afternoon.
Outlook
The warm air and moisture advection ramps up on Saturday as dew points reach into the low 70’s in portions of the state. This combined with the cloudy, stormy weather will again keep ozone in the Code Green range statewide. Particle pollution should hold in the mid-upper Code Green range. On Sunday, surface high pressure will nose in from the northeast as the low moves offshore, dragging a cold front down across the state. Aloft, a very positively tilted trough axis swings through and with enough moisture and PVA to generate some additional precipitation as the system moves offshore. Expect both ozone and fine particulate levels in the Code Green range Sunday.
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
Download KML
North Ridges
South Ridges
(Elevation > 4,000 feet)