UPDATE: Air quality alert in place for the Piedmont region Thursday night

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The NWS Raleigh NC reported an updated air quality alert at 9:22 p.m. on Thursday in effect until 9:32 p.m. The alert is for Stanly, Montgomery, Moore, Anson, Richmond, Scotland, Hoke and Cumberland counties.

"The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality in Raleigh NC has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Action Day for Ground Level Ozone, until 8 p.m. this evening for the southern Piedmont and Sandhills," explains the NWS.

This alert is in effect until 9:32 p.m.

Air quality alert: Your safety checklist from the NWS

• Stay inside if possible, particularly if you have respiratory concerns or other health problems, or are a senior or child.
• If you must go out, try to limit the amount of time you are out to strictly essential activities.
• Minimize your use of items that increase pollution, such as cars, gas-powered lawnmowers, and other vehicles.
• Do not burn debris or other items during an air quality alert.
• Stay Informed - Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite weather news station.

Source: The National Weather Service

United Robots North Carolina

This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 9:27 PM.