RALEIGH (AP) — Before hot weather scorches North Carolina, air quality officials are warning residents that the air will be a problem.
The N.C. Division of Air Quality issued a Code Orange advisory for the Charlotte metropolitan area on Thursday, then upgraded it to Code Red. Forecast temperatures in the area are expected to reach 100 degrees today.
The alert means air quality in Charlotte is likely to be unhealthy. You should avoid 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.