Source: NOAA | Notes: Data is as of 12 p.m. Eastern on July 17. Forecast is based on models and may underestimate smoke because of cloud cover or other obstructions. Contours show estimates of wildfire smoke near the surface.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) along with the the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued an Air Quality Alert for Marion, Sequatchie, Hamilton, and Bradley Counties in Tennessee along with Dade, Catoosa, and Walker in North Georgia for Monday, July 17th.
The ‘Code Orange’ Air Quality Alert is for particulate matter (meaning ground level air particulates) within the region may approach or exceed unhealthy standards.
This alert is prompted due to the “smoky” skies we’re seeing across the region today and the past 24 hours as a result of Canadian wildfire smoke that’s filtered into our area again from the massive ongoing fires in Canada.
While the general public is not likely to be affected, active children and adults as well as people with respiratory diseases such as Asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
The alert for the Chattanooga area is in effect until 1 AM EDT / 12 AM CDT on Tuesday, July 18th.
For additional information on the AQI (Air Quality Index) and what prompts these alerts, TDEC
