Worst air pollution Alice Springs, today and tomorrow
Today (10 August): Air quality in Alice Springs is medium. AQI, PM2.5, NO2, and PM1 are medium; PM10, O3, SO2, CO, and HCHO are good. Pollution peaks around 7:30 PM (NO2: 50.8/100).
Tomorrow (11 August 2026): Air quality in Alice Springs is fair. PM2.5 increases to fair; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 7:30 PM (NO2: 42.3/100). Airmine updates local air quality forecasts four times daily.
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Air quality in Alice Springs is generally very good, benefiting from its isolation from industry and low population density. The main challenges are dust, both wind-blown from surrounding dry plains and lifted during vehicle movement on unsealed roads, and occasional smoke from spinifex or scrub fires after wet periods. The desert's huge day-to-night temperature swing can trap dust and smoke close to the ground on still mornings. Humidity stays low year-round, which limits mould-related irritants, and there's essentially no industrial pollution source within the town itself.
Today - 10 August | Pollution peaks at 19:30
AQI:
Medium
50.8/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Medium
41.8/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
14.3/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Medium
50.8/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
18.8/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
12.2/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
3.5/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Medium
44.1/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 11 August | Pollution peaks at 19:30
AQI:
Medium
42.3/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Fair
36.8/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
10.9/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Medium
42.3/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
17.8/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
10.2/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
3.0/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Medium
40.9/100
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Alice Springs right now?
On 10 August 2026, overall air quality in Alice Springs is medium. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 50.8/100. Pollution peaks around 7:30 PM (NO2: 50.8/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Alice Springs?
On 11 August 2026, air quality conditions in Alice Springs will be worse than today, with PM2.5 forecast at fair at 36.8/100. Pollution peaks around 7:30 PM (NO2: 42.3/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Alice Springs?
Air quality here is typically at its least favourable during dust storm events, when strong winds sweep loose soil off surrounding arid plains, and after good rains when dry grass and spinifex fuel loads dry out and burn later in the season. Residents should expect brief, sharp dust episodes rather than sustained smog, with conditions clearing quickly once winds ease. Sensitive groups may notice more irritation on windy, dry spring days than in the cooler, calmer winter months.
Are air quality levels in Alice Springs based on measurements or forecasts?
It is forecasts derived by downscaling forecasts provided by EU’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) by taking into account local conditions such as traffic patterns. CAMS bases its forecast on satellite measurements of particles and chemical compounds in the atmosphere. Airmine’s services were developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team.
Why doesn’t the forecast always reflect wildfire impacts?
Airmine’s forecast uses CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) as its background atmospheric model. While CAMS includes wildfire emissions, these are derived from satellite observations and are not available in real time. During rapidly evolving wildfire events, there may therefore be a delay before increased emissions are incorporated into the model. As a result, the forecast may temporarily underestimate PM₂.₅ and other pollutants associated with wildfire smoke.
During rapidly evolving wildfire events, CAMS may lag by approximately 1–2 days before increased wildfire emissions are fully represented, which can lead to temporary underestimation of PM₂.₅ concentrations in Airmine’s forecast.
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Data provided by Airmine — Last update: 9 August 2026 at 20:27 CEST (Data is updated four times daily.)
This forecast is produced independently using Airmine's own atmospheric data and models.
Unless explicitly made clear, the content on this site has not been paid for by external organisations and is Airmine's sole responsibility.
Disclaimer: Forecasts are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Actual pollen and air quality conditions may vary from the forecast. If you have allergies, asthma, or another medical condition, consult a healthcare professional. Please see our Terms of Service for important information about limitations of liability.
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