EPD issues Code Orange air quality alert for metro Atlanta

An alert triangle with "Code Orange Air Quaility Alert" printed on it

The National Weather Service relayed a Code Orange air quality alert from Georgia’s Environmental protection division. We are under the following Code Orange alert: “Unhealthy for sensitive groups: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.”

The alert reads as follows:

Air Quality Alert Message

Georgia Dept of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division

Relayed by National Weather Service Peachtree City GA

1023 PM EDT Wed May 18 2022

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

Thursday May 19…

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental

Protection Division has issued a Code Orange (Unhealthy for

sensitive groups) Air Quality Alert for Atlanta for

Thursday May 19.

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 does this alert mean, and what precautions should be taken?

According to AirNow.gov, the primary pollutant today will be ozone.

The site gives the following guidance:

Have flexibility in your schedule?

Even if the forecast is Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups), there may be times during the day when air quality is OK for outdoor activities. Ozone is often lower in the morning. Check current air quality to see if now is a good time for you to be active outdoors.

Can’t change your schedule?

People with lung disease such as asthma, children and teens, older adults, and people who are routinely active outdoors for six or more hours a day: Reduce your exposure by choosing lessstrenuousactivities or shortening the amount of time you are active outdoors.

Everyone else: Enjoy your outdoor activities.

April 2022 climate summary for Atlanta area

The climate report shows how much departure from the average temperatures a month has. The average temperature for a date is the average over a 30-year period.

DateHighLowAvgDeparture from normPrecipitation
2022-04-01674857.5-2.00.00
2022-04-02694858.5-1.20.00
2022-04-03704859.0-0.90.00
2022-04-04764862.01.80.00
2022-04-05665460.0-0.42.18
2022-04-06736167.06.30.89
2022-04-07705160.5-0.40.02
2022-04-08594552.0-9.20.00
2022-04-09574149.0-12.40.01
2022-04-10743856.0-5.70.00
2022-04-11715060.5-1.40.00
2022-04-12825769.57.30.00
2022-04-13776470.58.00.00
2022-04-14775666.53.80.12
2022-04-15774862.5-0.50.00
2022-04-16735966.02.81.05
2022-04-17736066.53.0T
2022-04-18734961.0-2.80.01
2022-04-19644253.0-11.00.00
2022-04-20724558.5-5.80.00
2022-04-21765565.50.90.00
2022-04-22825870.05.20.00
2022-04-23816070.55.40.00
2022-04-24806070.04.60.00
2022-04-25846273.07.40.00
2022-04-26725664.0-1.90.09
2022-04-27774762.0-4.20.00
2022-04-28785365.5-0.90.00
2022-04-29805768.51.80.00
2022-04-30815970.03.00.00
Sum221115794.37
Average73.752.663.20.0
Normal73.852.563.23.81



For much more information on the climate in our area, visit the NWS Climate FAQ for the Atlanta area.

About the National Weather Service

The National Weather Service (NWS) is a 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 the national economy. These services include Forecasts and Observations, Warnings, Impact-based Decision Support Services, and Education in an effort to build a Weather-Ready Nation. The ultimate goal is to have a society that is prepared for and responds to weather, water and climate events.

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