D. Reid Wilson Secretary | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
D. Reid Wilson Secretary | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
March 1 marks the start of the 2025 ozone season, with state and local environmental agencies in North Carolina resuming their daily air quality forecasts for ozone. These forecasts will be provided by the North Carolina Division of Air Quality (DAQ) until October 31, alongside year-round forecasts for fine particle matter (PM2.5) pollution.
Ground-level ozone is formed when nitrogen oxides react with hydrocarbons under heat and sunlight. High levels are linked to heart and lung conditions, affecting young children, older adults, and other sensitive groups. Ozone levels in North Carolina have been declining due to reduced emissions from power plants, industry, and vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated North Carolina as meeting the 2015 ozone standard statewide in 2017, a status it has maintained since.
DAQ meteorologists will use the air quality index (AQI) to monitor and forecast ozone and PM2.5 levels. Forecasts are issued every afternoon by 3 p.m., with updates at 10 a.m., providing localized information for all counties in North Carolina.
The Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection will handle air quality forecasts for the Triad region, including Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Statewide forecasts can be accessed through the Air Quality Portal or via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website and app.
The Air Quality Portal also offers real-time data through the Ambient Information Reporter tool and long-term trends via the Ozone Design Value Predictor tool. This year sees DAQ releasing an educational video on AQI color codes available in English and Spanish.
For additional resources or translations into Spanish or other languages, contact Shawn Taylor at 919-707-8446 or email Shawn.Taylor@deq.nc.gov.
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