Air quality alert: Code yellow

CHARLOTTE — The air quality alert for Charlotte was downgraded to Code Yellow Tuesday night.

Code Yellow “is considered acceptable and is not expected to have widespread health impacts,” according to the EPA.

Meteorologist John Ahrens said air quality is expected to improve further overnight.

Code Red

Earlier in the day, it was upgraded to a Code Red.

A Code Red means the air is unhealthy and that “some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Code Orange

Officials announced earlier on Monday that the Charlotte metro was under a Code Orange alert due to smoke from the Canadian wildfires. That was later upgraded.

Code Orange indicates that airborne pollutants could pose hazards, especially to sensitive groups such as individuals with heart or lung diseases, young children, and older adults. Those vulnerable to poor air quality are advised to avoid engaging in strenuous outdoor activities and to be vigilant for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.

Whether you are in a Code Red or Code Orange alert, it will be tougher for some to breathe.

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There is some good news.

A storm system moving through Tennessee is expected to push into the Carolinas overnight, which is expected to improve the air quality on Wednesday.

The haze could be more visible in some areas, which include factors that include terrain and wind speed.

There are multiple observation sites that collect data from the air, such as First Ward Park in Uptown Charlotte.

“I definitely think it is a life-and-death situation and needs to be taken seriously, but I think it’s a reflection of how we interact with each other,” said Charlotte resident Cim Miles. “We have to take care of each other.”

Watch Tuesday night’s forecast below:

FORECAST: Air quality hits Code Red levels in area

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