Code Orange Air Quality Alert Issued for Southern North Carolina Counties
Code Orange alert warns residents in four counties that ground level ozone may reach unhealthy levels through 8 p.m. Wednesday.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for ground level ozone Wednesday morning, warning residents in multiple counties across the southern Piedmont and Sandhills regions that air pollution levels may reach unhealthy standards.
The alert affects Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Union counties and remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday evening, according to National Weather Service alerts issued at 11:10 a.m. and 11:11 a.m.
What the Alert Means
A Code Orange Air Quality Action Day indicates that ground level ozone concentrations within the affected regions may approach or exceed unhealthy standards. The designation serves as a warning for sensitive groups, including children, elderly residents, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Ground level ozone forms when pollutants from vehicles, industrial facilities, and other sources react with sunlight and heat. The pollutant can cause breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and worsen existing respiratory conditions.
Affected Areas
The air quality alert covers a significant portion of south-central North Carolina, including the Charlotte metropolitan area within Mecklenburg County. Gaston County borders South Carolina to the west, while Union County extends toward the state’s southern border.
Cabarrus County, located northeast of Charlotte, rounds out the affected areas in some of the state’s most densely populated regions.
Safety Recommendations
During Code Orange air quality days, health officials typically recommend that sensitive individuals limit prolonged outdoor activities, particularly strenuous exercise. People with heart disease, respiratory conditions, or other health concerns should monitor their symptoms and consult healthcare providers if breathing difficulties occur.
The North Carolina Division of Air Quality provides ongoing monitoring and updates through its website at https://airquality.climate.ncsu.edu/, where residents can track current conditions and receive additional safety guidance.
Weather conditions contributing to elevated ozone levels often include high temperatures, abundant sunshine, and light winds that prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively. Such conditions are common during spring and summer months across the southeastern United States.
