Archived Outdoors
Ozone season begins
![Ozone season begins](https://smokymountainnews.s3.amazonaws.com/media/k2/items/cache/d42a0b1de96068ebfb34efd364300d05_XL.jpg?javer=2407040342)
The 2021 ozone season began March 1, signaling the resumption of daily air quality forecasts across North Carolina.
Through Oct. 31, these county-based forecasts from the N.C. Division of Air Quality will include statewide ozone forecasts as well as year-round forecasts for fine particle pollution. Ozone forms in the air when nitrogen oxides react with hydrocarbons on warm, sunny days with little wind.
Next-day and extended products are issued by 3 p.m. with a morning update by 10 a.m. Find it at https://bit.ly/3ssiwcd.