RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Wildfire smoke from Canada continues to impact North Carolina’s air quality and has led to a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for all of central North Carolina through Friday.

Thursday morning air quality remained in the moderate category but smoke particles are expected to rise throughout the day and reach in unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, which includes older adults, children, and people with asthma, or lung & heart illness. Limit time outside and listen to your body if you do spend time outdoors and you are included in that group of people.

RELATED: Click here for the daily CBS 17 Storm Team weather forecast

Upper-level northerly winds continue to bring an increased amount of smoke particles to North Carolina. The thickest and most hazardous amounts will remain across New England.

The good news is relief is on the way this weekend. Winds will shift out of the south by Sunday pushing the smoke north of our area. Air quality will improve and is expected to be moderate, which is healthy enough for all, on Saturday and Sunday.

The smoke should start to clear out this weekend. Stay tuned for updates.