CHARLOTTE -- Don't be fooled by the blue skies or green leaves. Charlotte is at risk of being consistently orange this summer, as in Code Orange days, marked by an unhealthy level of ozone exposure.

"It's our largest urban area. We have a lot of cars and trucks, [and] we also have a lot of industrial sources in the region,” explained Sheila Holman of the North Carolina Division of Air Quality.

Monday was Charlotte's first official Code Orange day in 2008. Leaders with the North Carolina Division of Air Quality updated the Charlotte City Council Monday night on 2008 ozone predications and where the region ranks in the state.

"Obviously having such a really prolonged hot spell this early in the season is a concern,” Holman said.

Because of federal changes in air quality standards, it takes less ozone for Code Orange days this year or the more severe Code Red.

"We do anticipate across the state about double the amount of Code Orange days this summer,” Holman said.

Because of the increased standards, state air quality leaders are looking into new rules for heavy vehicles that weight 10,000 pounds or more.

"We're currently looking at an idle reduction rule for heavy duty gasoline and diesel vehicles. That's going through the public process as we speak," Holman added.

If the ozone standing in the Charlotte and Mecklenburg County area doesn't improve by 2010, they face the risk of losing federal transportation funding, a scenario not lost on the council.

"They could cut off our mass transit funds. It's not just road money, part of it is no federal funds for any transportation," Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory said.

“It clearly will have long term impacts if we cannot reach attainment, and I wonder whether there are some legislative approaches we may consider," Charlotte City Councilman Anthony Foxx said.

Air quality leaders remind people on hot, Code Orange days to limit outdoor activities, especially children and the elderly in the late afternoon.

For those with asthma, make sure to monitor your breathing and make sure to have an inhaler on hand or nearby.