Worst air pollution Bourke, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Bourke is fair. AQI and SO2 are fair; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 4:00 PM (SO2: 23.8/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Bourke is good. AQI improves to good; SO2 decreases to good; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 12:00 PM (SO2: 19.2/100). Airmine updates local air quality forecasts four times daily.
For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app
Developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team
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Bourke's setting on the Darling River in remote far-western NSW places it squarely in dust storm country, where strong winds sweeping across dry, exposed outback plains can suddenly reduce visibility and air quality. The region's very low humidity and large day-to-night temperature swings are typical of arid inland Australia, and there's little heavy industry or traffic to add ongoing pollution. Riverside vegetation offers some local relief, but drought periods increase dust risk further. Outside these wind-driven events, Bourke's air is generally exceptionally clean, reflecting its isolation and sparse surrounding population.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 16:00
AQI:
Fair
23.8/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
9.3/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
3.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
18.6/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
19.1/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Fair
23.8/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.1/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
7.6/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 12:00
AQI:
Good
19.2/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
9.3/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
3.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
14.4/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
18.2/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
19.2/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.0/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
7.6/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Bourke right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Bourke is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 23.8/100. Pollution peaks around 4:00 PM (SO2: 23.8/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Bourke?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Bourke will be better than today, with AQI forecast at good at 19.2/100. Pollution peaks around 12:00 PM (SO2: 19.2/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Bourke?
Bourke's worst air days tend to cluster around spells of strong wind over parched ground, which can trigger sudden dust storms. Rain adds a slower risk too: the growth it triggers eventually cures and fuels fires down the track. Sensitive groups should watch forecasts during that period rather than assume year-round conditions apply.
Are air quality levels in Bourke 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.
Want to see air quality forecasts for other cities in Australia?
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Data provided by Airmine — Last update: 16 July 2026 at 10:33 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.
For long term forecasts and maps, see the Airmine app