February 26, 2026: Krasnoyarsk among top 10 most polluted cities in the world

  • 2 min read
  • by IQAir Staff Writers
February 26, 2026: Krasnoyarsk among top 10 most polluted cities in the world

Is the air quality good in Krasnoyarsk?

As of February 25, 2026, at 8:30 PM PT, Krasnoyarsk, Russia is experiencing poor air quality with the Air Quality Index above 170, placing conditions in the unhealthy category.

Residents are advised to avoid outdoor exercise, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers indoors. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Krasnoyarsk’s air quality map.

While air quality today is poor, long-term data highlight the scale of the challenge. In 2024, the average PM2.5 was 11 µg/m³, rising to 26 µg/m³ in 2023, 52 µg/m³ in 2022, and 49 µg/m³ in 2021, underscoring persistent pollution levels well above the World Health Organization’s annual guideline of 5 µg/m³

Krasnoyarsk, Russia ranked among the most polluted major cities, as of February 25, 2026, at 8:30 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

When will the air quality improve in Krasnoyarsk?

Air quality is expected to improve over the next few hours, dropping into the moderate range. However, winter in Siberia often brings calm, cold conditions with temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, meaning such air pollution spikes may persist until weather patterns fully break.

Hourly air quality forecast for Krasnoyarsk, Russia, as of February 25, 2026, at 8:30 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

Daily air quality trends in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.

Air quality map of Krasnoyarsk, Russia, as of February 25, 2026, at 8:30 PM (PT). Source: IQAir.

What is causing poor air quality in Krasnoyarsk?

Krasnoyarsk’s severe air pollution is driven by a combination of industrial and residential emissions during the winter season. Coal-fired power plants and aging industrial facilities release significant amounts of fine particles and gases (1).

Residential heating using coal and wood adds further PM2.5 to surface air. Diesel vehicle traffic and construction dust amplify this burden. The city’s valley geography and stagnant weather trap pollutants near the surface, preventing effective dispersion.

How can I protect myself from poor air quality?

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