Worst air pollution Charlotte, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Charlotte is fair. PM10 is fair; AQI and O3 are medium; PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 41.4/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Charlotte is medium. PM10 decreases to good; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 11:00 AM (O3: 43.1/100). Airmine updates local air quality forecasts four times daily.
For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app
Developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team
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Charlotte's air quality reflects the Piedmont Crescent's urban sprawl, with vehicle emissions from the I-485 beltway and extensive highway network the primary local source across this rapidly growing southeastern US city. The surrounding gentle Piedmont hills provide limited topographic barriers, and summer ozone from regional and local sources is the principal recurring air quality concern.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 14:00
AQI:
Medium
41.4/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
19.4/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Fair
24.1/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
15.7/100
O3 (ozone):
Medium
41.4/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
3.3/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
5.2/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
17.4/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 11:00
AQI:
Medium
43.1/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
19.7/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
13.3/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
14.4/100
O3 (ozone):
Medium
43.1/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
2.5/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
5.6/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
17.5/100
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Charlotte right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Charlotte is fair. PM10 is the main pollutant at 24.1/100. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 41.4/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Charlotte?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Charlotte will be better than today, with AQI forecast at medium at 43.1/100. Pollution peaks around 11:00 AM (O3: 43.1/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Charlotte?
Charlotte's air quality follows a clear seasonal pattern. In short, winter is typically the cleanest season, with mild temperatures and fewer stagnant air episodes, whereas summer heat, humidity, and emissions from surrounding forests combine to drive ozone levels up. Prescribed burns are more common in the cooler months and can add brief smoke episodes.
Are air quality levels in Charlotte based on measurements or forecasts?
It is forecasts derived by downscaling forecasts provided by EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) by taking into account local conditions such as traffic patterns. CAMS bases its forecast on satellite measurements of particles and chemical compounds in the atmosphere. Airmine’s services were developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team.
Want to see air quality forecasts for other cities in United States?
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Data provided by Airmine — Last update: 16 July 2026 at 10:33 CEST (Data is updated four times daily.)
This forecast is produced independently using Airmine's own atmospheric data and models.
Unless explicitly made clear, the content on this site has not been paid for by external organisations and is Airmine's sole responsibility.
For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app