Air quality Coverage

Ask the meteorologist: Are there any such things as chemical trails in our skies? Do they affect our weather?

While the direct impact on broader weather patterns is generally minimal, certain materials or particles can serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei, enhancing the formation of fog or clouds and potentially influencing precipitation within those cloud systems.

'State of the Air' report shows smog is worsening in Raleigh and Durham compared to 2023

Although Raleigh and Durham have relatively good air quality, a new report from the American Lung Association shows ozone smog is increasing.

New air quality report raises concerns about ozone pollution in Raleigh, Durham

The Raleigh-Durham metro area set a new best-ever level for year-round particle pollution, but levels of ozone smog increased. This is according to the American Lung Association's 2024 "State of the Air" report released on Wednesday.

WRAL staff

Triangle's air quality a mixed bag, ozone smog increases as particle pollution remains low

The American Lung Association released its "State of the Air" report Wednesday morning -- highlighting the air quality in the Triangle. The increased levels of ozone smog are raising some concerns.

Smog worse in Raleigh, Durham compared to last year, 'State of the Air' report shows

Although Raleigh and Durham have relatively good air quality, a new report from the American Lung Association shows ozone smog is increasing.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

5 On Your Side: How to improve indoor air

A humidifier can help keep the air inside of your home at a comfortable level. But one that isn't cleaned properly can produce mold spores.

Pritchard Strong, WRAL consumer producer

EPA testing DIY air purifier built by fifth-grade students

A 10-year-old girl who built a low-tech, DIY air purifier met with researchers from the University of Connecticut for advanced biochamber testing at the Environmental Protection Agency's lab in RTP.

EPA testing DIY air purifier built by fifth graders

A 10-year-old girl who built a low-tech, DIY air purifier met with researchers from the University of Connecticut for advanced biochamber testing at the Environmental Protection Agency's lab in RTP.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

Protecting yourself against air quality

Consumer Reports says there are numerous steps you can take to stay safe.

Wildfires rolling back years of improvement in NC air quality, could have long-term health impacts

Much of central North Carolina woke up to a hazy Tuesday morning - with Code Orange air quality alerts for the Triangle, but Code Red air quality impacting nearby parts of the state.

Kelsey Coffey, WRAL reporter

UNC expert says improvements to air quality are now being reversed

WRAL's Ashley Rowe sat down with a UNC doctor to learn how the Canadian wildfires are reversing progress in air quality across the country.

On the Record: The long-term health impacts of air pollution

In the last several months people across our state have seen smoke in our air. Could more be on the way? What does pollution mean for our health? WRAL goes beyond the headlines to explain what the smoke does to our bodies and what groups are doing to try to keep our air clean. Find out the impact on your health and where our air stands as it compares to previous years.

How Safe Is Your Office's Air? Sensors Can Tell You.

In the United States, there is little regulation of indoor air quality, and once a building is up and running, occupants typically have little insight into whether the air they are breathing is safe.

Emily Anthes, New York Times

Nonprofit calls on EPA to set stronger air quality standards to protect public health

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill environmental science professor William Vizuete said the air quality index is missing a key element that could help us understand just how dangerous these tiny particles are.

Ashley Rowe, WRAL anchor/reporter

Smoky air can get worse as it moves into North Carolina

The EPA is currently proposing a few changes to its air quality standards.

Canadian wildfires cause air quality alerts across the US

In some cities in the country, the air quality was put on a code purple alert.

Hazy day as smoke from Canada wildfires drifts back into NC

The Canadian wildfires are causing dangerous air quality conditions once again in the U.S. The haze prompted the weather center to issue a Code Orange air quality alert on Wednesday.

What to Know About Canadian Wildfires and U.S. Air Quality

As Canada grapples with one of the worst wildfire seasons in decades, heavy smoke from Quebec was wafting into the American Midwest on Tuesday, a day after NASA said it had crossed the Atlantic Ocean all the way to Europe.

Dan Bilefsky, New York Times

On cam: Smoky haze hangs over downtown Raleigh skyline

With a pocket of smoke and code red air quality hanging over Raleigh much of the morning, here's a look at the haze obscuring the skyline.

Air purifiers can ease the wheeze of wildfire smoke

If the smoky air from the Canadian wildfires is really bugging you, even indoors, an air purifier can help.

Some change plans to avoid polluted air as Candadian fires push smoke across US

In downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, construction continued at downtown Raleigh's Freedom Park. But schools in Wake and Johnston counties moved students indoors to avoid the breathing effects of the haze.

Photos of New York show smoky impact of Canadian wildfires

Smoke from Canadian wildfires has traveled into the United States, resulting in a number of air quality alerts issued since May. (AP Photos)

Doctor shares tips to prepare for Code Red, WRAL Weather Alert Day Wednesday

Wednesday's Code Red air quality alert prompted WRAL News to declare Wednesday a WRAL Weather Alert Day. We spoke with a doctor from UNC Health about what you should do instead of outdoor activities and what signs you should look out for if you have to go outside.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires puts Raleigh skies in a haze

The Triangle and most of central North Carolina will be under a Code Red air quality alert on Wednesday.

Smoke from Canada wildfires prompts air quality alerts in NC

The wildfires in Canada have caused a spike in air pollution that's now affecting North Carolinians. That's prompting air quality alerts. Dangerous air quality can impact people who have breathing issues.