Air pollution forecast

The air you breathe matters.

To reduce your exposure to air pollution use the forecast, map, and health guidance to help you plan your routes and outdoor activities.

The forecast covers air pollution, pollen, temperature and UV rays.

You can also get alerted when air pollution is expected to be higher than usual.

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Air pollution forecast for Central London
Very High
10
High
9
8
7
Moderate
6
5
4
Low
3
2
1

Filter map by pollutants

The labels show the forecast for the borough as a whole – for more detail on an area zoom in, or search for an address or postcode.


COMING SOON - Air pollution forecasts and alerts for Epsom and Ewell, Guildford, Surrey Heath, Waverley and Woking.

Other environmental forecasts

Pollen
Very high

Those with hay fever or allergies should stay indoors to reduce exposure to pollen.

If outdoors: wear a face mask, wraparound sunglasses, and shower and change clothes when you return home.

Learn more about the pollen alert

Temperature
13 to 23°C / 55 to 74°F
Ultraviolet (UV) rays
High

Be sun-safe and consider protecting your skin by finding shades, covering it with clothing and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Learn more about the UV alert

 Forecast updated at 14:11 on Monday 15 June 2026

Learn more about air pollution and how to protect yourself and others.

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How the forecasts are created

Forecasting is complex and airTEXT brings together data from several world-renowned systems to give the most accurate forecasts we can.

airTEXT brings together air quality forecasts using the air pollution forecasting system from CERC.

It brings in information from weather forecasts, forecasts of pollution across Europe from the CAMS Regional Ensemble and detailed data from 30,000 pollution sources across London are fed into the ADMS-Urban air quality model to produce the forecasts.

Real-time monitoring data from LondonAir is fed in throughout the day and these are compared with observed pollution levels to ensure accuracy.

The hourly concentrations of four pollutants are calculated:

  • Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
  • Particulates (PM10 and PM2.5)
  • Ozone (O3)

From the hourly concentrations the daily air quality index (DAQI) of each pollutant is derived. The overall air quality index is determined by the highest index for any of these pollutants.

Forecasts are issued twice a day at 7am and 7pm. airTEXT issues an alert for a local authority or region if at least 10% of the geographical area is predicted to reach moderate or above.

It also includes ultraviolet (UV) and temperature forecast information supplied by DTN and pollen forecast information supplied by the Met Office.

Get free air pollution alerts for where you live, work, travel, and more – choose up to two areas.

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Follow the health guidance to reduce the effects of air pollution, pollen, extreme weather, and UV.

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Air pollution index and health guidance

Air pollution affects all of us, but it can have a bigger effect on the health of people in some groups. This at-risk group includes older people, children, pregnant people, those with cardio (heart) and respiratory (lung) conditions.

Adults and children with heart or lung conditions are at greater risk of symptoms. Follow your doctor's usual advice about exercising and managing your conditions.

Anyone experiencing symptoms should follow the guidance provided.

Low

1 2 3

At-risk individuals

Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.

General population

Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.

Moderate

4 5 6

At-risk individuals

Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.

General population

Enjoy your usual outdoor activities.

High

7 8 9

At-risk individuals

Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, who experience symptoms, should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors.

People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.

Older people should also reduce physical exertion.

General population

Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.

Very high

10

At-risk individuals

Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity.

People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.

General population

Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat.

Get more health guidance
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