Metro Atlanta woke up under a smoky, hazy sky on Thursday, April 23, with temperatures in the upper 50s to near 60°F and visibility knocked down in spots. Patchy smoke is expected to hang around through mid‑morning before sunshine breaks through and highs climb toward about 84°F this afternoon.
Air Quality and Health
According to AirNow, air quality across the region is expected to reach Code Orange (unhealthy for sensitive groups) on Thursday. Children, people with asthma or heart or lung disease, and older adults are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Officials also recommend keeping medications handy and checking AQI readings before heading outside for activities.
Today's Forecast and Fire Danger
Forecasters say the patchy smoke will be most noticeable this morning before winds ease and sunshine takes over. Highs should reach near 84°F with overnight lows around 58–60°F. Relative humidity is forecast to dip into the low 20–30 percent range for several afternoon hours, and a Fire Danger Statement is in effect from noon to 8 p.m., so residents are urged to consult local burn rules and use extreme caution with outdoor fires. These details come from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.
Where This Came From
South Georgia Wildfire Smoke Chokes Atlanta Skies covered the initial plume and firefighting efforts yesterday. The smoke now hanging over Atlanta has been steered north by low‑level winds from wildfires in southeast Georgia while crews continue containment work on the fires.
Weekend Outlook
Rain chances increase late Friday night into Saturday, with showers and thunderstorms likely on Saturday and highs easing back into the upper 70s. That pattern should help wash some of the smoke out of the air. Widespread severe weather is not expected, although isolated strong storms could pop up near the frontal boundary. Forecast timing and details are available from the National Weather Service in Peachtree City.
What You Should Do
If you are sensitive to smoke, avoid prolonged outdoor activity today, keep windows closed if haze increases, and postpone open‑air burns. Check AQI and forecast updates through the afternoon and contact your local fire department or county office before any outdoor burning.
