Sunday afternoon will mark the second consecutive day of poor air quality in metro Atlanta.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has relayed a Code Orange Air Quality Alert to the National Weather Service for the Atlanta metropolitan area, effective this afternoon, Sunday, July 14, 2024.

This is the second consecutive day of poor air quality in the metropolitan area.

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

2:44 PM EDT Saturday, July 13, 2024

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

Sunday July 14th…

Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Environment

The Protection Division has issued a Code Orange (unhealthy for

Air Quality Alert for Atlanta for

Sunday July 14th.

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 the presence of unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.

These groups include children, the elderly and people with respiratory or heart problems.

In the event of an orange alert, the air quality index (AQI) is between 101 and 150. Although the general population is not necessarily affected, air quality could be hazardous for people in sensitive groups, and people sensitive to poor air quality 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.

The EPD advises people who may be at risk to reduce their 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.