Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday

ATLANTA - The metro Atlanta area just shook the worst of the pollen season, so one would think residents would be able to breathe a little easier. But the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division has issued a Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday.

While this is the first forecasted alert, the first observed Code Orange day this year was actually Monday. The FOX 5 Storm Team said the air quality alerts become more frequent when the weather turns warmer and especially when there is a lack of rain.

All of the metro Atlanta counties are under the Code Orange Air Quality Alert for Thursday.

Thursday’s Code Orange day means the air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups. DNR officials said children and people who are sensitive to ozone as well as people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early evening when ozone concentrations are highest.

Ozone season is March 1 to October 31. Ozone Forecasting season is April 1 to October 31.

Learn more here: https://epd.georgia.gov/air/

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