Worst air pollution Parkes, today and tomorrow
Today (10 August): Air quality in Parkes is fair. AQI and PM1 are fair; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, CO, and HCHO are good. Pollution peaks around 12:00 AM (PM1: 20.7/100).
Tomorrow (11 August 2026): Air quality in Parkes is medium. AQI improves to medium; NO2 increases to medium; PM1 decreases to good; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 7:00 PM (NO2: 45.1/100). Airmine updates local air quality forecasts four times daily.
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As an inland agricultural service centre in Central West NSW, Parkes' air quality is shaped mainly by farming activity: dust from cropping and livestock operations, seasonal burning of stubble after harvest, and occasional dust storms sweeping off the surrounding plains during dry spells. Traffic and industry are minor by comparison in this rural centre. Spring can also bring grass pollen from the extensive pasture and cropping land surrounding the town, contributing to a seasonal allergy burden typical of inland NSW farming districts, while winter temperature inversions occasionally trap smoke and dust close to the ground overnight.
Today - 10 August | Pollution peaks at 00:00
AQI:
Fair
20.7/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
16.0/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
4.5/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
16.6/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
19.3/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
10.2/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.7/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Fair
20.7/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 11 August | Pollution peaks at 19:00
AQI:
Medium
45.1/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
10.6/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
3.4/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Medium
45.1/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
14.3/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
11.0/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
1.1/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
11.2/100
Pollen forecast in Parkes
View pollen forecastFrequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Parkes right now?
On 10 August 2026, overall air quality in Parkes is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 20.7/100. Pollution peaks around 12:00 AM (PM1: 20.7/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Parkes?
On 11 August 2026, air quality conditions in Parkes will be better than today, with AQI forecast at medium at 45.1/100. Pollution peaks around 7:00 PM (NO2: 45.1/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Parkes?
Air quality tends to be worst during harvest and post-harvest stubble-burning in summer and early autumn, and during dry spells when westerly winds can whip up dust from bare paddocks; winter mornings can also see smoke settle from wood heaters on still, frosty nights.
Are air quality levels in Parkes 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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