Air quality alerts issued this week in Charlotte. Trapped ozone poses risks
Charlotte’s air quality will again dip into Code Orange levels this week, according to the EPA.
Incoming high pressure and temperatures will cut off smoke from Canadian wildfires — the cause of North Carolina’s recent bouts of tainted air. But it will also bolster ozone formation near the ground, according to North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality forecast.
Last week, areas from Winston-Salem to Birmingham, Alabama, had some of the worst air in the country after high pressure trapped smoke particulates close to the surface.
Now, the lower pressure system that trailed will help keep smoke away this week, but sunshine, light winds and the surrounding high pressure systems will foster ground-level ozone formation and bring the air quality index up to 115.
Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, Union and Stanly counties went under Code Orange air quality alerts Wednesday by 10 a.m. Some western places near the Blue Ridge Mountains were expected to see similar conditions by 7 p.m.
When ozone is the primary pollutant in the air, people with lung diseases — like asthma — or people who spend six or more hours outside should reduce time outside and take a break from strenuous activities.
Children, teens and older adults should also try to stay indoors.
This story was originally published July 26, 2023 at 12:10 PM.
