John Nicholson Chief Deputy Secretary | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
John Nicholson Chief Deputy Secretary | North Carolina Department Of Environmental Quality
The 2025 ozone season in North Carolina begins on March 1, marking the renewal of daily air quality forecasts by state and local environmental agencies. The North Carolina Division of Air Quality (DAQ) will provide forecasts for both ozone and fine particle matter (PM2.5) pollution until October 31. These forecasts are accessible through the Air Quality Portal.
Ground-level ozone forms when nitrogen oxides react with hydrocarbons in heat and sunlight, posing health risks like heart and lung conditions, particularly affecting young children, older adults, and other sensitive groups. Ozone levels in North Carolina have decreased due to reduced emissions from power plants, industry, and motor vehicles. In 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized the state as meeting the 2015 ozone standard statewide, a status it has maintained since.
Meteorologists at DAQ use the air quality index (AQI) to monitor and forecast ozone and PM2.5 levels. Forecasts include AQI color codes to help residents plan outdoor activities. Updates are issued every afternoon by 3 p.m., with a morning update by 10 a.m.
The DAQ's air quality forecast covers 91 counties in North Carolina and two Ridge Top zones, including next-day predictions. The Forsyth County Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection provides forecasts for the greater Triad region.
Statewide air quality forecasts are available via the Air Quality Portal, developed with the North Carolina State Climate Office. They can also be accessed through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow website and app. Updates are shared on DAQ's X feed and Facebook account.
In addition to forecasts, real-time and historical data are offered through the Ambient Information Reporter (AIR) tool on the Air Quality Portal. The Ozone Design Value Predictor tool provides trends in measured ozone data across U.S. monitors.
This year, DAQ introduces an educational video explaining AQI color codes in English and Spanish. Additional resources in Spanish are available from AirNow; contact information is provided for those needing materials in other languages.
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