Forsyth ozone hits Code Orange: who should limit exposure in Winston-Salem

Forsyth County’s Office of Environmental Assistance and Protection issued a Code ORANGE Air Quality Action Day for ground-level ozone for the Triad on Friday, July 17, 2026. A National Weather Service Air Quality Alert covering the Winston-Salem area was in effect until 8 PM EDT.

Officials said children, teenagers, older adults, people with heart and lung disease (including asthma), and people active outdoors were all considered potentially sensitive to ozone exposure.

Who should limit exposure in Winston-Salem

• Children and teenagers
• Older adults
• People with heart and lung disease (including asthma)
• People who are active outdoors

What to do during the ozone alert window

• Limit prolonged or intense outdoor exertion
• Take frequent breaks if you’re outside

If you’re in a sensitive group, the county’s guidance is aimed at reducing time and intensity in the air when ozone levels are expected to be highest. Follow your clinician’s advice if you have serious heart or lung conditions and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.

How residents can help reduce ozone

• Drive less, avoid engine idling, and stay home if possible
• Postpone gas-powered lawn equipment until the air quality alert is no longer in effect
• Burn restrictions during alerts: trash burning is prohibited, and open burning of leaves, brush, or other vegetation is banned until the alert is over

Where to check updates in Forsyth County

• Forsyth County’s EAP air quality forecast page (AQI forecast and links to current monitoring data)
• Forsyth County’s Air Quality FAQ (including how to avoid exposure and subscribe to alerts)
• The National Weather Service Air Quality Alert for the coverage area and timing

For real-time and future alerts, Forsyth County also recommends checking local air quality conditions and subscribing to air quality alerts through Enviroflash.

Sources

• Forsyth County EAP: Code Orange alert notice
• NWS Raleigh: Air Quality Alert (Forsyth-Guilford-Alamance-Davidson-Randolph)