Sushma Masemore Deputy Secretary for Environment | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
Sushma Masemore Deputy Secretary for Environment | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
March 1 marks the start of the 2025 ozone season in North Carolina, with state and local environmental agencies renewing their daily air quality forecasts for ozone. These forecasts will continue through October 31, including both ozone and fine particle matter (PM2.5) pollution, which is forecast year-round by the North Carolina Division of Air Quality (DAQ). The daily air quality forecast can be accessed on the Air Quality Portal.
Ground-level ozone forms when nitrogen oxides react with hydrocarbons in heat and sunlight. High levels of ozone are linked to heart and lung conditions, including asthma, especially affecting young children, older adults, and other sensitive groups.
Ozone levels in North Carolina have been decreasing due to reduced emissions from power plants, industry, and motor vehicles. In 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated North Carolina as meeting the 2015 ozone standard statewide. The state has maintained compliance since then.
DAQ meteorologists will monitor and forecast ozone and PM2.5 using the air quality index (AQI), along with AQI color codes to assist residents in planning outdoor activities. Forecasts are issued every afternoon by 3 p.m., with a morning update by 10 a.m.
The DAQ provides localized forecasting for 91 counties in North Carolina and two Ridge Top zones, including next-day forecasts. The Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection handles air quality forecasts for the greater Triad region, covering Winston-Salem and Greensboro.
Statewide air quality forecasts are available through the Air Quality Portal, a mobile-friendly website launched with the North Carolina State Climate Office. Forecasts can also be found on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website and app. Updates are provided via DAQ's X feed and Facebook account.
The Air Quality Portal offers real-time and historical data through the Ambient Information Reporter tool, as well as current-year and long-term trends from all U.S. ozone monitors via the Ozone Design Value Predictor tool.
This year, DAQ is releasing an educational video about AQI color codes in English and Spanish.
Additional resources in Spanish are available from AirNow. For information in another language, call 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov.
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