Worst air pollution Newcastle, today and tomorrow

Today (16 July): Air quality in Newcastle is good. AQI, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 15.1/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Newcastle is good. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 1:00 PM (O3: 16.3/100). 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

Use our Strava plugin to check your own exposure.

As the world's largest coal export port, Newcastle's air quality carries a distinct industrial signature from port operations, coal handling and shipping, alongside typical urban traffic emissions. Onshore sea breezes generally help disperse these pollutants efficiently along the coast, though winds funnelling dust from coal stockpiles have been a documented local concern. Summer bushfire smoke from the Hunter Valley hinterland or further afield adds a seasonal risk during dry, high fire-danger periods.

Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 15:00

AQI:

Good

15.1/100

PM2.5 (fine particles):

Good

7.3/100

PM10 (coarse particles):

Good

2.9/100

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):

Good

0/100

O3 (ozone):

Good

15.1/100

SO2 (sulfur dioxide):

Good

0/100

CO (carbon monoxide):

Good

0/100

HCHO (formaldehyde):

Good

2.0/100

PM1 (ultrafine particles):

Good

5.2/100

Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day

Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 13:00

AQI:

Good

16.3/100

PM2.5 (fine particles):

Good

11.4/100

PM10 (coarse particles):

Good

3.9/100

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):

Good

0/100

O3 (ozone):

Good

16.3/100

SO2 (sulfur dioxide):

Good

0/100

CO (carbon monoxide):

Good

0/100

HCHO (formaldehyde):

Good

3.3/100

PM1 (ultrafine particles):

Good

10.8/100

Air quality forecasts for neighbourhoods and landmarks in Newcastle

Sports venues in Newcastle

Frequently Asked Questions

Is air quality bad in Newcastle right now?

On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Newcastle is good. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 15.1/100. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 15.1/100).

Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Newcastle?

On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Newcastle will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at good at 16.3/100. Pollution peaks around 1:00 PM (O3: 16.3/100).

When is air pollution at its worst in Newcastle?

Newcastle's air quality is most often challenged by coal dust and port-related emissions on certain wind directions, a long-documented local issue given the city's status as a major coal export hub, and by summer bushfire smoke drifting in from the Hunter Valley hinterland. Sea breezes generally help clear the air along the coastline, making the beachside suburbs typically better ventilated than areas closer to port operations.

Are air quality levels in Newcastle 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?

Check air quality in other popular cities:

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