"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
THE FORECAST
Today: Partly cloudy skies. High: 93
Tonight: Clear skies. Low: 71
Tomorrow: Sunny along with a few clouds. High: 94
» For current weather conditions, visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution weather page.
DETAILED FORECAST
Welcome to a hot afternoon, metro Atlanta.
“Temperatures will continue to climb from where they are right now,” Channel 2 Action News meteorologist Katie Walls said. “And this afternoon, you can plan on those highs running into the low and mid-90s.”
Temperatures hit 93 degrees by 3 p.m.
They were 93 degrees in Atlanta, 92 degrees in Carrollton and 93 degrees in Griffin at 5 p.m.
Rain chances are slim.
“We’re going to be looking for only about a 10 percent chance of an isolated shower — and that’s mainly out toward Eatonton and beyond,” Channel 2 meteorologist Karen Minton said. “Up and across much of the rest of our area, it stays dry but hot.”
Because of that stagnant air, there is potential for low air quality in metro Atlanta, which is under a code orange smog alert.
“If you have sensitive lungs, asthma, those who are young, those who are old,” Walls said, “you are advised to not spend quite as much time outdoors this afternoon because of that potential for that low air quality.”
Tonight: Temperatures are expected to drop to 82 degrees by 10 p.m.
“Mostly clear skies are expected through the overnight period,” Walls said.
YOUR HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Hotter temperatures are ahead this weekend, Walls said.
The expected high is 94 degrees Saturday, 95 degrees Sunday and 92 degrees Monday. Each day will begin in the low to mid-70s.
Rain chances are 10 percent Saturday, 20 percent Sunday and 30 percent Monday, according to Channel 2.
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