Alright, Fayetteville, another day, another attempt to hit the pavement or dirt without becoming a statistic. Today's not terrible, but don't get too comfortable.
- Weather's a mixed bag: Right now, it's actually looking clear and mild, around 13.2°C (55.8°F). A decent window for a run, maybe. But don't let that fool you; forecasts for today hinted at an 85% chance of rain later on. Classic North Carolina, can't make up its mind.
- Air Quality is Meh: Your AQI is clocking in at 63, putting us in the "Moderate" zone with ozone as the dominant pollutant. Not ideal, but not going to make you grow a third lung either. If you're sensitive, maybe dial back the intensity.
- Pollen's Playing Nice (for now): Low pollen count is a win. No itchy eyes or runny noses sending you back inside after a mile. Enjoy it while it lasts, because spring is a real jerk around here.
Local Rundown: Cape Fear River Trail & Beyond
Look, as far as new disaster alerts go from the last 24 hours, there isn't much screaming "STAY HOME!" from specific incidents like wildfires or major flooding in Fayetteville. We've had some winter storm shenanigans earlier in the month and plenty of construction always seems to be happening somewhere, but nothing fresh to halt your usual route down the Cape Fear River Trail. Just keep an eye on the sky if you're planning a longer outing there; that rain forecast isn't a suggestion, it's a threat.
Don't Trust the "Clear" All Day
Yeah, it's clear right now. But the weather folks were calling for a high chance of rain today. That means slick spots on the roads and trails, especially if you're hitting any of those unpaved sections of the Cape Fear River Trail. Muddy shoes are annoying, but a twisted ankle from a sudden slide is worse. Plan your attire accordingly, or just stick to the treadmill if you're a fair-weather runner.
Mind the Ozone, Especially Afternoon Runners
With ozone being our main air pollutant today, consider timing your workout. Ozone levels tend to peak in the afternoon. If you're usually out there busting it after lunch, maybe shift to earlier in the day when the air quality might be a little better. Your lungs will thank you, and you won't feel like you're breathing through a wet blanket.
Pollen Breakdown (Because someone always asks)
| Pollen Type | Level |
|---|---|
| Overall | Low |
So, for now, your sinuses are mostly safe from the local botanical assault. Don't let your guard down, though. This is Fayetteville; a rogue pine tree could start sneezing at any moment.
The Bottom Line
It’s not a perfect day, but it’s far from the worst. The biggest wildcard is that impending rain. If you're going out, be smart, stay aware of your surroundings (especially traffic, we had a fatality on the All American Freeway recently, so drivers are always... Fayetteville drivers), and maybe pack a light jacket. Don't push it if that moderate AQI feels rough. There's always tomorrow, probably with a different set of issues.
Data grounded with Fayettevillelocal.org, City of Fayetteville, N.C., CityView NC, and National Forests In North Carolina from February 26, 2026.