RALEIGH (AP) — Before hot weather scorches North Carolina, air quality officials are warning residents in the Rowan County region that the air will be a problem.
The N.C. Division of Air Quality has issued a Code Orange advisory for the Charlotte metropolitan area on Thursday. On Friday, forecast temperatures in the Charlotte area are expected to reach 100 degrees.
The alert means air quality in the region is likely to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Those groups should avoid moderate exertion outdoors. Sensitive groups include children and older adults; people who work or exercise outdoors; people with heart conditions; and those with respiratory ailments such as asthma and emphysema.
The primary threat is ozone, which can be unhealthy to breathe, High levels generally occur on hot, sunny days with stagnant air.