Rowan weather: Fires continue to affect air quality
Published 8:07 am Friday, November 18, 2016
We have another Code Orange air quality alert today, in effect until midnight for fine particulates — smoke from the wildfires, expected to be especially bad in Rowan and Iredell counties.
Code Orange means the air will be unhealthy for sensitive groups, such as older adults, children, active people and those with heart or lung disease. Limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
Outdoor burning is NOT allowed on Code Orange days. Cabarrus County has imposed a burning ban.
You may see some smoke this morning, then it will be sunny and warm up to 74 degrees, with wind becoming southwest at 5 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight, you may see smoke again. The low will be 46, with south southwest wind at 3-5 mph.
The wildfire danger will be high on Saturday due to a cold front that will bring gusty winds and very dry air. Sunday’s risk will be high, as well.
Saturday will be sunny and 66, with south southwest winds at 5-10 mph, shifting to the west northwest at 13-18 mph. Gusts could reach 30 mph. The low will be a cold 30 degrees.
Sunday will be sunny and much cooler, with a high of 50. West southwest wind will blow at 5-13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
The low will dip to 29 degrees.
Monday, too, will be sunny, with a high of 54 and a low of 29, again.
More of the same Tuesday, with a high of 58 and a low of 35.
For Wednesday, look for partly sunny skies and a high near 62. It should be a good day for the Holiday Caravan Parade.
A 30 percent chance of showers is possible Wednesday night, with cloudy skies and a low of 42.
Thanksgiving Day will also have a 30 percent chance of showers, but will be mostly sunny with a high of 61.