For the first time in over 20 years, the majority of North Carolina counties will be under a “Code Red” air quality warning due to a massive smoke plume coming from the ongoing Canadian wildfires.
According to the NCDAQ, the smoke arrived in North Carolina yesterday, leading to a sharp rise in particle pollution. By Wednesday, the warning escalated to “Code Red,” affecting the Charlotte metro, the Triangle, northern Mountain regions, and northern Coastal Plain, indicating unhealthy air quality for all residents, not just sensitive groups.
Code RED and Code ORANGE Air Quality Alerts for fine particulate matter have been issued statewide from midnight tonight (6/6/23) through midnight tomorrow (6/7/23) due to impacts from Canadian smoke transport #ncwx #airquality #AQI
For more: https://t.co/Res5iwfwVO pic.twitter.com/j4RIFo5Q5u
— NC Air Quality Forecast Center (@NCDAQ_Forecast) June 6, 2023
A state-wide burning ban is active until the alert concludes. To prevent worsening conditions, residents are also advised to limit driving and usage of gas-powered equipment. Air quality is expected to remain at a high-alert level throughout the week. More than 400 wildfires in Canada, with over 200 out of control, have caused the smoke pollution.
This week’s high temperatures, along with the low air quality increases everyone’s chance of heat exhaustion and heat stroke – make sure to stay hydrated at all times.
If you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time outside today, make sure you wear breathable clothes and consider getting a small fan, personal air conditioner, or evaporative cooling towel.
Stay safe out there!