"Good" AQI is 0 to 50. Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
"Moderate" AQI is 51 to 100. Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people. For example, people who are unusually sensitive to ozone may experience respiratory symptoms.
"Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" AQI is 101 to 150. Although the general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.
"Unhealthy" AQI is 151 to 200. Everyone may begin to experience some adverse health effects, and members of the sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
"Very Unhealthy" is AQI is 201 to 300. This would trigger a health alert signifying that everyone may experience more serious health effects.
"Hazardous" AQI is greater than 300. This would trigger health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
LEARN MORE: Smog alerts in Atlanta: Understanding code red, code orange air quality warnings | Check today’s Air Quality Index for Atlanta
Temperatures are on the rise — and so are rain chances, according to Channel 2 Action News.
The first rain system is expected to pass through north Georgia Thursday. Heavier downpours and thunder could pick up in Blairsville and other northern areas by 2 a.m. Friday.
The rain is expected to clear by the rush hour, meteorologist Karen Minton said.
However, Saturday will bring a 30 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms, Channel 2 reported. There is a 40 percent chance of rain on Sunday.
The possible wet weather won’t keep temperatures out of the 90s this week.
“It’s going to be a hot one,” Minton said.
Temperatures were 91 degrees in Atlanta, 86 in Blairsville, 91 in Griffin just before 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
And a code orange smog alert was issued for the metro area, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
During a code orange smog alert, children, teenagers, elderly adults and people with lung disease or asthma are encouraged to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
"Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath," according to a post from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Thursday’s expected high is 93 degrees. By Saturday, temperatures could reach 95 degrees and only come down to the low 90s Sunday, meteorologists said.
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