"Weather & Air Quality: How harmful is the smog or particulate matter today?"
The air we breathe is just as important as the weather itself. The Air Quality Index (AQI) helps us understand how clean or polluted the air is. It measures various pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), ozone (O₃), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
How Weather Affects Air Quality
Weather has a huge impact on the concentration of pollutants in the air.
- Low Wind: On calm days, especially during a temperature inversion (a layer of warm air traps cold air near the ground), pollutants like particulate matter and smog can accumulate near the surface. Air quality deteriorates rapidly.
- Strong Wind and Rain: Wind disperses pollutants and dilutes their concentration. Rain is even more effective—it literally washes particulate matter and other particles out of the air. Air quality is often best after a rain shower.
- Sunshine and Heat: Intense sunlight in summer can promote the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone is created by a chemical reaction between sunlight and pollutants from traffic and industry. High ozone levels can irritate the respiratory system.
What Do the AQI Values Mean for Your Health?
Our app uses the European Air Quality Index, which typically ranges from 0 (very good) to over 100 (very poor).
- Good (0-20): No health risks. Ideal for all outdoor activities.
- Fair (21-40): Air quality is acceptable. Only very sensitive individuals might experience minor symptoms.
- Moderate (41-60): People with respiratory diseases (e.g., asthma), children, and the elderly should reduce intense outdoor exertion.
- Poor (61-80): Even healthy people may experience mild irritation. Strenuous outdoor activities should be avoided.
- Very Poor (80+): Significant health risks for everyone. Outdoor exposure should be minimized.
Practical Tips for Poor Air Quality
- On days with a high AQI, avoid strenuous outdoor sports, especially near busy roads.
- Move your run to parks or forests where the air is better, or to the early morning hours.
- Keep windows and doors closed to keep pollutants out.
On our Air Quality page, you can find detailed information about individual pollutants and an hourly AQI forecast to help you plan your day with health in mind.