Air quality today in US cities

What each AQI category means

In AirNow's own words:

• Good Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• Moderate Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
• Unhealthy Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
• Very Unhealthy Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
• Hazardous Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.

Source: AirNow, "AQI Basics" (airnow.gov).

Why your AQI can differ from other apps

Many apps blend sensor networks or convert every country to one scale. The numbers above are the official AQI that state and local agencies report to AirNow, unchanged, for the reporting area nearest each city.

AirNow readings are preliminary: agencies review and can correct them later.

Air quality near me

A city center reading is a starting point. Conditions can differ across a metro area, so the app reads the monitor closest to where you are. Your location stays on your phone; only the country is ever requested.