Atlanta, Georgia, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A code orange air quality alert is in effect across parts of Georgia including metro Atlanta due to elevated ozone levels. The National Weather Service warns that air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, which include children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, as ozone levels are expected to peak later in the day. Factors contributing to this alert include traffic emissions and weather conditions that allow for ozone formation. Precautions are crucial to protect health during this time.
Atlanta, Georgia – A code orange air quality alert is currently in effect across parts of Georgia on Friday, September 12, 2025, due to elevated levels of ozone. The alert, issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division, signifies that the air quality is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, which include children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.
The forecasted Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to reach a value of 101, falling under the code orange category, which ranges between 101 and 150. Should the AQI exceed 150, it would elevate to a code red alert, indicating more severe air quality issues that could affect the general public. Ozone concentrations are predicted to peak in the late afternoon to early evening.
The scope of the alert includes not only metro Atlanta but also Cherokee, Paulding, Hall, and Douglas counties. As of Friday morning, the air quality was measured at moderate levels, suggesting that while conditions are not critical at the moment, caution is advised for those in sensitive categories.
Sensitive groups are urged to limit outdoor activities and minimize strenuous exercises particularly during the hours when ozone levels are expected to rise significantly. Factors that contribute to air quality alerts often include fine particle pollutants, particularly PM 2.5, which are known to irritate the lungs and exacerbate existing health issues.
The formation of ozone occurs when sunlight catalyzes chemical reactions between airborne pollutants, especially nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Major sources of these pollutants include vehicle emissions, industrial discharges, as well as smoke from wildfires. The prevalence of ozone pollution is most critical in densely populated areas, where traffic congestion and industrial activities are common.
In the coming days, meteorological conditions are likely to contribute to air quality concerns, with a forecast indicating minimal rainfall and sustained sunshine paired with low humidity. Expected temperatures are projected to rebound into the low 90s early next week, further exacerbating ozone levels.
The NWS has outlined the daily forecast for Atlanta as follows:
- Friday: Sunny, high near 86°F, east wind around 5 mph, low around 64°F at night.
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 86°F, low around 63°F overnight.
- Sunday: Sunny, high near 88°F, low around 65°F overnight.
- Monday: Sunny, high near 89°F, low around 66°F overnight.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 88°F, low around 66°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny, high near 88°F, low around 66°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 87°F.
As the state continues to monitor air quality levels, it is essential for residents, especially those in sensitive groups, to take appropriate precautions to safeguard their health during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a code orange air quality alert mean?
A code orange alert indicates that the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups such as children, seniors, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions.
Who is affected by the air quality alert?
Sensitive groups including children, seniors, and those with asthma or heart diseases are most affected by the code orange air quality alert.
What can sensitive groups do to protect themselves?
Sensitive groups are advised to limit outdoor activity and avoid strenuous exercise during times of high ozone levels.
What weather conditions contribute to ozone pollution?
Ozone pollution is often heightened by sunny weather, low humidity, and limited rainfall, which allow for increased formation of ozone from airborne pollutants.
Key Features of the Alert
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Alert Type | Code Orange Air Quality Alert |
| Issued By | National Weather Service & Georgia Department of Natural Resources |
| Area Affected | Metro Atlanta, Cherokee, Paulding, Hall, Douglas counties |
| Forecast AQI | 101 (Code Orange category) |
| Health Advisory | Unhealthy for sensitive groups |
| Recommended Actions | Minimize strenuous activity, limit outdoor time |
| Weather Forecast | Sunny with highs near 86°F, low humidity, limited rainfall |
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Additional Resources
- Patch: Code Orange Air Quality Alert Declared
- Wikipedia: Air Quality
- Cobb County Courier: Code Orange Air Quality Alert in Metro Atlanta
- Google Search: Air Quality Alerts
- WSBTV: Code Orange Air Quality Alert Issued
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ozone
- Georgia Recorder: Atlanta Air Quality Gets Failing Grade
- Google News: Ozone Pollution
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
