Warm weather brings smog to Atlanta today with the first Code Orange Air Quality alert for the season, forecasters say.
“When we have these extended days of above normal temperatures (and) big high pressure blocking things off, it can lead to air quality issues,” Severe Team 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said.
Temperatures today will reach 87 degrees today, Minton said, and will remain above average with sunny skies through Thursday. Friday will be partly cloudy and there is a 70-percent chance of rainfall on Saturday, forecasters predict.
The Code Orange Air Quality Alert means trouble for asthma sufferers and others with breathing problems, Minton said.
“If you have respiratory problems … any kind of issues with breathing, you may want to limit your time outside,” she said. “Check your children. Monitor them today.”
Today’s pollen count is 205 with oak, hickory/pecan, mulberry, sycamore and walnut, forecasters are reporting.