Worst air pollution Caloundra, today and tomorrow

Today (16 July): Air quality in Caloundra is good. AQI, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 1:00 PM (O3: 18.1/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Caloundra is good. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 19.7/100). Airmine updates local air quality forecasts four times daily.

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Developed with support from the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS) team

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Air quality in Caloundra is typically very good thanks to strong, consistent sea breezes off the Coral Sea and Pumicestone Passage that keep the coastal strip well ventilated. The main risks are episodic: bushfire smoke drifting in from hinterland forests during dry spells, and occasional summer haze on stagnant, humid days with limited onshore flow, though these episodes are usually short-lived. The town's compact, low-rise footprint and limited heavy industry help keep background pollution levels consistently low year-round.

Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 13:00

AQI:

Good

18.1/100

PM2.5 (fine particles):

Good

3.8/100

PM10 (coarse particles):

Good

1.3/100

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):

Good

4.0/100

O3 (ozone):

Good

18.1/100

SO2 (sulfur dioxide):

Good

1.4/100

CO (carbon monoxide):

Good

0.0/100

HCHO (formaldehyde):

Good

2.1/100

PM1 (ultrafine particles):

Good

3.3/100

Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day

Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 14:00

AQI:

Good

19.7/100

PM2.5 (fine particles):

Good

2.7/100

PM10 (coarse particles):

Good

1.2/100

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):

Good

3.8/100

O3 (ozone):

Good

19.7/100

SO2 (sulfur dioxide):

Good

1.0/100

CO (carbon monoxide):

Good

0.0/100

HCHO (formaldehyde):

Good

2.0/100

PM1 (ultrafine particles):

Good

1.3/100

Pollen forecast in Caloundra

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is air quality bad in Caloundra right now?

On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Caloundra is good. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 18.1/100. Pollution peaks around 1:00 PM (O3: 18.1/100).

Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Caloundra?

On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Caloundra will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at good at 19.7/100. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 19.7/100).

When is air pollution at its worst in Caloundra?

Expect the occasional dip in air quality during prolonged dry periods in late winter and spring, when bushfire smoke from the Sunshine Coast hinterland can reach the coast, particularly on days with light or offshore winds. On most days, however, the sea breeze keeps Caloundra's air noticeably cleaner than inland parts of the region.

Are air quality levels in Caloundra 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