It also includes views from an outdoor camera on top of the 14-story Archdale Building in downtown Raleigh, as well as current data on temperature, wind, precipitation, relative humidity and solar radiation. North Carolina's ozone forecasting season starts May 1, with its network expanding from four to six metropolitan areas across the state. Fayetteville and Hickory area residents will now have access to air quality forecasts such as those issued in recent years for the Charlotte, Triad, Triangle and Asheville metropolitan areas. State and local air quality programs provide the daily ozone forecasts to the news media for weather reports in the six metro areas. On high ozone days, the forecasts also suggest things people can do, such as limiting outdoor activities, avoiding strenuous exercise and driving less.
Ozone also can damage trees and reduce crop yields.
Such concerns led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to adopt a stricter standard for ozone in 1997. The DAQ developed its ozone forecasting system to help comply with the new ozone standard while protecting public health and the environment. In the Triad, forecasts are issued by the Forsyth County Environmental Affairs Department. The Air Awareness Program helps to curb smog levels through ozone forecasts and notifications to news media and air coalitions in the forecast areas. Coalition members voluntarily agree to help reduce emissions of smog-forming pollutants on high ozone days.