Worst air pollution Winston-Salem, today and tomorrow

Today (16 July): Air quality in Winston-Salem is medium. AQI and O3 are medium; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 9:00 AM (O3: 54.3/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Winston-Salem is medium. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 10:00 AM (O3: 59.2/100). Airmine updates local air quality forecasts four times daily.

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Developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team

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Winston-Salem's air quality reflects the Piedmont Triad's position in the North Carolina foothills, with vehicle emissions from I-40 and US-421 and the tobacco processing and manufacturing heritage contributing to baseline readings. The surrounding gentle Piedmont hills provide modest topographic variation, while summer ozone from regional vehicle and industrial sources across the broader southeastern US airshed is the primary warm-season concern.

Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 09:00

AQI:

Medium

54.3/100

PM2.5 (fine particles):

Good

18.8/100

PM10 (coarse particles):

Good

9.1/100

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):

Good

19.3/100

O3 (ozone):

Medium

54.3/100

SO2 (sulfur dioxide):

Good

3.2/100

CO (carbon monoxide):

Good

0.0/100

HCHO (formaldehyde):

Good

4.8/100

PM1 (ultrafine particles):

Good

18.4/100

Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day

Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 10:00

AQI:

Medium

59.2/100

PM2.5 (fine particles):

Good

17.2/100

PM10 (coarse particles):

Good

6.5/100

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):

Good

17.6/100

O3 (ozone):

Medium

59.2/100

SO2 (sulfur dioxide):

Good

3.3/100

CO (carbon monoxide):

Good

0.0/100

HCHO (formaldehyde):

Good

5.7/100

PM1 (ultrafine particles):

Good

17.5/100

Pollen forecast in Winston-Salem

View pollen forecast

Air quality forecasts for neighbourhoods and landmarks in Winston-Salem

Sports venues in Winston-Salem

Frequently Asked Questions

Is air quality bad in Winston-Salem right now?

On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Winston-Salem is medium. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 54.3/100. Pollution peaks around 9:00 AM (O3: 54.3/100).

Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Winston-Salem?

On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Winston-Salem will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at medium at 59.2/100. Pollution peaks around 10:00 AM (O3: 59.2/100).

When is air pollution at its worst in Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem experiences a distinct seasonal swing in air quality — winter is typically the cleanest season, with mild temperatures and fewer stagnant air episodes, whereas hot, humid summer days bring the highest ozone risk, amplified by natural emissions from the dense surrounding forests. Prescribed burns are more common in the cooler months and can add brief smoke episodes.

Are air quality levels in Winston-Salem 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