Code Orange Air Quality Alert most of NC today impacts of transported smoke

NC Air Quality Forecast Center -- July 23, 2021

***A Code Orange Air Quality Alert for fine particulates is now in place acrossmost of the state today due to the impacts of transported smoke.***

Areas of smoke from wildfires burning upwind over the northwestern United States and central Canada are building southward into North Carolina, causing elevated readings of fine particulates and hazy skies (visible overhead and via satellite!). 

Fine particulate concentrations into the Code Orange range are being observed over parts of the Piedmont and Foothills, and are expected to expand over much of western, central, and northeastern North Carolina tonight, and over all but a few coastal counties along southeastern North Carolina tomorrow. 

Therefore, we have adjusted today’s forecast slightly upwards and have issued a Code Orange air quality alert for much of North Carolina. With an overnight surface temperature inversion expected tonight, and limited dispersion through tomorrow, Code Orange conditions are expected to persist and an Air Quality Alert will remain in place for most of North Carolina through Thursday.

To stay up to date with the latest forecast, please see our forecast page here: https://xapps.ncdenr.org/aq/ForecastCenterEnvista. You can also follow us on twitter at @NCDAQ_Forecast.