Poor air quality in metro Atlanta Saturday as Code Orange alert issued

The Georgia Division of Environmental Protection has relayed a Code Orange Air Quality Alert to the National Weather Service for the Atlanta metropolitan area, effective this afternoon, Saturday, July 13, 2024.

What does the alert contain?

The alert provides the following information:

Air quality alert message

Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division

Relayed by the National Weather Service in Peachtree City, Georgia

2:13 PM EDT Friday, July 12, 2024

…AIR QUALITY ALERT CODE ORANGE IS IN EFFECT FOR ATLANTA FOR

Saturday July 13th…

Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Environment

The Protection Division has issued a Code Orange (unhealthy for

Air Quality Alert for Atlanta for

Saturday July 13th.

Under Code Orange conditions, outdoor air quality is likely to

be unhealthy for some people. Children, sensitive people

to ozone, and people with heart or lung disease should limit

prolonged outdoor exercise in the late afternoon or early afternoon

in the evening, when ozone concentrations are highest.

For more information on the Air Quality Index, please visit

http://airnow.gov.

What is a Code Orange condition?

A Code Orange air quality alert indicates unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions. This alert means the Air Quality Index (AQI) is between 101 and 150. While the general population may not be affected, people in sensitive groups may experience health effects and should limit prolonged outdoor exercise. Pollution sources contributing to a Code Orange alert include vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground. People are advised to reduce outdoor activities and follow local air quality guidelines.

About the National Weather Service

The National Weather Service (NWS) is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The NWS describes its role as follows:

The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters, and ocean areas to protect life and property and enhance the national economy. These services include forecasts and observations, warnings, impact-based decision support services, and training to build a weather-ready nation. The ultimate goal is to have a society prepared for and able to respond to weather, hydrologic, and climate events.

Read all of the Cobb County Courier’s climate and weather coverage by following this link.