Worst air pollution Katoomba, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Katoomba is fair. AQI and NO2 are fair; PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 8:00 PM (NO2: 21.1/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Katoomba is fair. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 9:00 PM (NO2: 29.5/100). 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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Perched high in the Blue Mountains, Katoomba typically enjoys crisp, clean mountain air for much of the year, aided by elevation and surrounding eucalypt forest. That same forested setting, however, makes it acutely vulnerable to bushfire smoke, and the town was heavily affected during the catastrophic 2019-20 fire season when smoke haze persisted for weeks. Cold winter nights encourage wood heater use, which can settle in valleys and pockets around town under still, frosty conditions. Outside fire and heating seasons, background air quality is excellent.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 20:00
AQI:
Fair
21.1/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
7.8/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
3.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Fair
21.1/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
16.4/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
11.0/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.1/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
4.1/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 21:00
AQI:
Fair
29.5/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
6.9/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
2.3/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Fair
29.5/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
15.7/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
16.1/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.5/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
6.5/100
Pollen forecast in Katoomba
View pollen forecastFrequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Katoomba right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Katoomba is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 21.1/100. Pollution peaks around 8:00 PM (NO2: 21.1/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Katoomba?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Katoomba will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 29.5/100. Pollution peaks around 9:00 PM (NO2: 29.5/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Katoomba?
In practical terms, Katoomba sees its worst air during the December-to-March bushfire season, when smoke from nearby fires drifts through on hot northerlies. Winter brings a quieter risk too: wood-heater smoke pooling on cold, still nights. Outside that window conditions are usually clear, so check forecasts if you have asthma or other sensitivities.
Are air quality levels in Katoomba 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