WINSTON-SALEM, NC — A Code Orange air quality alert remains in effect for the Piedmont Triad through late Saturday night as sunshine and heat help ozone build near the ground. Forecast temperatures in the low to mid-90s are expected to keep conditions unhealthy for sensitive groups.
That means children, older adults and people with asthma, lung disease, heart disease or diabetes may feel the effects first if they spend a long time outside or push themselves too hard.
What the alert means for Triad residents
Code Orange is a warning that air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Health experts say those residents should cut back on long periods of outdoor exercise, take more breaks indoors and pay attention to any breathing problems.
Even though humidity is not expected to be especially high, the combination of hot sun and trapped air can still make conditions rough for anyone spending time outside. That includes outdoor workers, athletes and people who already have respiratory issues.
Weekend weather pattern is keeping pollution in place
The forecast calls for another very warm day Saturday, with highs near 90 in much of the Triad and nearby foothills. High clouds may filter the sunshine at times, but they are not expected to prevent ozone from forming…