Is the air quality good in London?
On March 23, 7:00 AM PT, London, England was ranked among the top 10 most polluted major cities. The AQI is classified in the "unhealthy for sensitive groups" range. This level can worsen respiratory illness, heart-related illnesses, and other health problems, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Other nearby cities, including Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris are being affected by air pollution.
As air quality is dynamic and like the weather can frequently change.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of London.
While the air quality conditions on this morning are unusually poor, it is important to remember that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for London was 7.8 µg/m3. This corresponds to an AQI of 43, which falls into the “good” range.
London, UK ranked as the tenth most polluted major city on March 23, 7:00 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
How long will poor air quality last in London?
Air quality is projected to improve later on Monday evening as lingering pollutants are dispersed further east into the North Sea. This will likely also worsen air quality in the Netherlands, Belgium, and northwestern Germany.
Hourly air quality forecast for London, UK, March 23, 7:00 AM PT. Source: IQAir
Air quality map of London, UK, March 23, 7:00 AM. Source: IQAir.
Regional air quality map of Northwestern Europe on Monday morning. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in London?
Multiple issues may be impacting air quality in London.
Lingering pollutants from a plume of Saharan dust may be affecting the region's air quality (1). This, when exacerbated by industrial pollution and emissions from vehicles on their evening commute could be contributing factors in today's elevated concentrations of PM2.5.
Cool morning temperatures, warmer evenings, and emissions from nearby agricultural activity may also be increasing air pollution across the region (2).
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
