Fourth straight day of poor air quality expected Saturday in metro Atlanta

For the fourth day in a row, the Georgia Division of Environmental Protection has relayed a Code Orange air quality alert to the National Weather Service for the Atlanta metro area, effective Saturday, June 15.

What does the alert contain?

The alert gives the following information:

Air Quality Alert Message
Georgia Dept of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division
Relayed by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA
135 PM EDT Fri Jun 14 2024

...CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR ATLANTA FOR
Saturday June 15...

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental
Protection Division has issued a Code Orange (Unhealthy for
sensitive groups) Air Quality Alert for Atlanta for
Saturday June 15.

Under Code Orange conditions, the outdoor air quality is likely to
be unhealthy for some people.  Children, people who are sensitive
to ozone, and people with heart or lung disease should limit
prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early
evening when ozone concentrations are highest.

For additional information on the Air Quality Index, please visit
http://airnow.gov.

What is a Code Orange air quality alert?

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 that the air quality index (AQI) is between 101 and 150. Although the general population is not affected, people in sensitive groups may experience health effects and should limit prolonged outdoor efforts. Sources of pollution contributing to a Code Orange alert include vehicle emissions, industrial activities and weather conditions that trap pollutants near 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, water, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters, and ocean areas, for the protection of life and property and the enhancement of national economy. These services include forecasts and observations, warnings, impact-based decision support services and education with the aim of building a weather-ready nation. The ultimate goal is to have a society prepared and responsive to weather, hydrological and climate events.

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