The Georgia Environmental Protection Division relayed a Code Orange air quality alert to the National Weather Service for metro Atlanta, in effect this afternoon, Thursday, June 26.

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

252 PM EDT Wed Jun 25 2025

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

Thursday June 26…

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 June 26.

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.

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 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.

Bonus for the more weather-curious among you … To read an article about interpreting a weather news report with some of the typical terminology defined, follow this link.