ATLANTA — Atlanta is in for a "bad air day," according to forecasters. A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued Wednesday for the Atlanta area.
Ozone levels are expected to reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Anyone with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should consider limiting strenuous activity outside in the afternoon and evening when ozone levels are the highest. People with asthma are advised to do the same.
This is the first Code Orange that has been issued this year, although air quality did reach "unhealthy for sensitive groups" on April 8.
As temperatures warm up in the summer, ground level ozone pollution increases. The pollutants react to heat and sunlight, so sunny, hot, and dry days are optimal for ozone production.
Heat is intensifying this week, so ozone levels may stay elevated. For more north Georgia's forecast, click here.
The video below is from a previous report.
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