The Georgia Environmental Protection Division relayed a Code Orange air quality alert to the National Weather Service for metro Atlanta, in effect this afternoon, Wednesday, August 19.
What is in the alert?
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
148 PM EDT Tue Aug 18 2026
…CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR ATLANTA FOR
Wednesday August 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
Wednesday August 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
What is a Code Orange condition?
A Code Orange Air Quality Alert signifies unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.
Those groups include children, older people, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.
Under a Code Orange alert, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is between 101 and 150. While the general population may not be affected, the air quality could be dangerous to people in sensitive groups, and individuals who are sensitive to poor air quality should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Sources of pollution 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 might be at risk to reduce outdoor activities and follow local air quality guidelines.
About the National Weather Service
The National Weather Service (NWS) is a federal agency within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its primary mission is to provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts, and warnings to protect life and property and to enhance the national economy.
Headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, the NWS operates through a network of six regional headquarters and more than 100 local Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) across the country. These offices issue weather forecasts, warnings, advisories, and watches tailored to specific geographic areas.
Metro Atlanta is served by the National Weather Service’s Atlanta/Peachtree City Weather Forecast Office, located in Peachtree City. The office issues forecasts, watches, warnings and other weather information for much of north and central Georgia, including Cobb County.
The NWS also runs specialized centers, including the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) for severe weather outlooks, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) for tropical storm tracking, the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) for national forecast guidance, and the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) for solar activity that may affect Earth-based systems.
NWS forecasts and alerts are based on data from a combination of satellites, radar systems, weather balloons, surface observation stations, and computer models. The agency collaborates with emergency managers, broadcasters, government agencies, and the public to ensure that timely and accurate information is disseminated during weather events.
Its services are made available to the public at no cost, and its warnings—such as tornado warnings, flash flood alerts, and winter storm advisories—serve as official guidance for public safety and emergency response.
About the EPD’s role in air quality
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD), part of the state Department of Natural Resources, oversees programs that protect and improve Georgia’s air quality.
Its Air Protection Branch develops and enforces regulations under the federal Clean Air Act and state law, setting limits on emissions from industries, utilities, vehicles and other sources. The division issues permits for power plants, factories and fuel terminals, and monitors compliance through inspections, reporting requirements and enforcement actions.
It also runs air-monitoring stations across Georgia to track levels of ozone, particulate matter and other pollutants, publishing data that feed public health advisories such as smog alerts.
In addition, the EPD works with local governments, transportation planners and businesses to reduce emissions through cleaner fuels, energy efficiency and other voluntary measures.
By balancing economic development with environmental stewardship, the agency aims to maintain healthy air for Georgia residents and keep the state in compliance with national standards.