Weather

CODE ORANGE: Unhealthy air quality conditions as heat index nears 100 degrees

Another Code Orange air quality alert day was issued for Friday as the heat rises across the Charlotte area, and that alert was upgraded to a Code Red by Friday afternoon, the first Code Red this summer.

By 4:30 p.m., the alert was downgraded back to a Code Orange.

A Code Red alert happens when ground-level ozone goes above levels that are considered unhealthy. High pressure builds and acts like a dome leading to stagnant air and lower rain chances.

The high temperatures for the next several days will also allow ozone levels to climb.

Code Orange and Code Red air quality conditions are unhealthy for those with sensitive respiratory or breathing issues. You should limit time outdoors today, especially during the afternoon hours.

Temperatures rose to the mid-to upper 90s Friday afternoon and the heat index soared to near 100 degrees. Storm chances remain low for Friday, with the best shot staying for to the north later in the day.

The high heat and humidity will continue through the weekend with storm chances remaining low.

Temperatures will remain above average both Saturday and Sunday afternoon, with highs reaching the mid-90s. Factoring in the humidity, the heat index will likely climb into the upper 90s and lower triple digits.

Some cooling thunderstorms will start to develop during the afternoon hours over the weekend but will stay quite spotty.

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