Smoky Haze reported from Boone to Burlington, CODE ORANGE Alert

Code Orange Air Quality Alert for particle pollution is in effect for most of North Carolina through tonight. A Code Red Air Quality Alert means the air may become unhealthy for all residents to breathe into their lungs. Ozone levels are also at a Code Orange Ozone Action day above 4,000 feet along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the Charlotte metro area.

Code Orange Air Quality Alert for particle pollution is in effect for most of North Carolina through tonight. A Code Red Air Quality Alert means the air may become unhealthy for all residents to breathe into their lungs. Ozone levels are also at a Code Orange Ozone Action day above 4,000 feet along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the Charlotte metro area.

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Code Orange Air Quality Alert for particle pollution is in effect for most of North Carolina through tonight. A Code Red Air Quality Alert means the air may become unhealthy for all residents to breathe into their lungs. Ozone levels are also at a Code Orange Ozone Action day above 4,000 feet along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the Charlotte metro area.

Being outdoors for extended periods today and Wednesday may have greater health impacts for some residents in North Carolina and Virginia with higher levels of particle pollution expected from wildfires burning in Canada. A Code Orange Air Quality Alert Day is in effect tonight for most of North Carolina for particle pollution and ozone. The Code Red Air Quality Alert Day is now in effect for Wednesday. The Particle pollution is coming from smoke created by huge wildfires in the southern province of Quebec, Canada.

Air quality may worsen as higher waves of smoke mix into air near the surface. The wind pattern is also helping to fill our air with smoke at times during the next few days. Take a look at the near surface smoke forecast video below

Air quality may become unhealthy for groups of people who are sensitive to particle pollution through tonight. People with lung disease, people with heart disease, older adults, young children, teenagers, people active outdoor, and outdoor workers are encouraged to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion in North Carolina. To prevent breathing difficulties, individuals sensitive to particulate matter may consider adjusting their daily routine to reduce time outdoors and use air purifiers inside their homes.

Smoky haze continues this week with a Code Orange issued through tonight and a Code Red for Airy Quality Alert for Wednesday. A Code Red means all residents are encouraged to limit outdoor exertion and activities. Join us live now on https://t.co/y7LlvOTfug pic.twitter.com/FwQSrCvD7R

Air quality levels get worse on Wednesay with air considered unhealthy for all residents. Residents are encouraged to avoid overexertion outdoors.

According to the Forsyth County Environmental Assistance and Protection forecast, fine particles from the smoke have been reaching levels of 100 or more and this triggered the Code Orange Alert Day. This is the numerical value assessed as an expression of the concentration of one microgram of particulate matter in a given cubic meter of air. Code yellow for PM 2.5- fine particulate matter of 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter- poses a greater health risk because the particles can be inhaled and then lodged deep within our lungs, respiratory tracts, and even our bloodstreams. To find out more about particle pollution levels and your forecast, you can find your current air quality reading by entering your zipcode on AirNow.gov and by checking the Forsyth Environmental Assistance and Protection Agency here.

Ozone levels have risen to Code Orange for most areas in North Carolina Tuesday and a Code Orange Ozone Action Day is in place for the Appalachian Mountains above 4,000 feet and the Charlotte metro area today. The United States Environmental Protection Agency tips include limiting driving, avoid allowing vehicles to idle, refuel vehicles early morning or after sunset, reduce electricity usage, and reduce the use of gas-powered lawn equipment during the air quality alert. Ozone forms near the surface on days with plentiful sunshine, hot temperatures in the 80s or warmer, and pollution from vehicles combine.