Code Orange smog in area Friday

By Mashaun D. Simon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Not only are temperatures on the rise in the metro area, but the smog level is as well.

A Code Orange air quality alert has been issued for the metro area for Friday by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division.

This is our first smog alert of the season, WSB-TV meteorologist David Chandley told the AJC.

"It is really borderline, but issued none the less," he said.

What does Code Orange mean? It means the air quality is bad enough to cause problems for "sensitive groups."

Meteorologists said those with respiratory conditions should stay inside if possible.

“The biggest issue is children and people with sensitivities,” Rob Handel with the National Weather Service said. “These groups are advised to limit their amount of time outdoors.”

Smog-forming pollutants come from automobile exhaust, factories and many other man-made sources.

May 1 marked the start of smog season and is more likely to form in warmer months.

Code Orange smog days can occur “anywhere between a dozen to 20 times per year,” Handel told the AJC.

Besides the smog, Friday is expected to be mostly sunny with some haze and highs in the 90s.

Good news is that a cold front is heading this way early Saturday morning, Chandley said.

"Cooler and drier air will be coming to metro Atlanta for the weekend," he said. "So no smog alerts expected."

For information on smog and ways to reduce it, log on to cleanaircampaign.org.