Worst air pollution Qingdao, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Qingdao is fair. PM2.5, O3, SO2, and PM1 are fair; AQI and NO2 are medium; PM10, CO, and HCHO are good. Pollution peaks around 11:00 PM (NO2: 55.2/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Qingdao is fair. O3 decreases to medium; SO2 decreases to good; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 4:00 AM (NO2: 58.8/100). 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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Qingdao's air quality benefits from its exceptional Shandong Peninsula Yellow Sea coastal position, with consistent Yellow Sea and East China Sea breezes providing reliable maritime ventilation. Vehicle traffic on surrounding expressways and the port, brewing, and electronics manufacturing corridor contribute local sources, while the outstanding coastal exposure and the Laoshan Mountain backdrop generally maintain Qingdao among eastern China's more moderately ventilated coastal provincial cities throughout most of the year.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 23:00
AQI:
Medium
55.2/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Fair
27.6/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
8.3/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Medium
55.2/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
31.8/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Fair
20.9/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
3.4/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Fair
33.5/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 04:00
AQI:
Medium
58.8/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Fair
28.3/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
8.3/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Medium
58.8/100
O3 (ozone):
Medium
40.8/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
18.2/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.8/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Fair
34.6/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Qingdao right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Qingdao is fair. PM1 is the main pollutant at 33.5/100. Pollution peaks around 11:00 PM (NO2: 55.2/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Qingdao?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Qingdao will be similar to today, with PM1 forecast at fair at 34.6/100. Pollution peaks around 4:00 AM (NO2: 58.8/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Qingdao?
Air quality in Qingdao tends to be worse when traffic emissions and manufacturing activity build up and onshore breezes fall calm. Sea breezes typically keep conditions in check, except during still weather. This natural ventilation is one reason coastal areas often see better readings than inland cities.
Are air quality levels in Qingdao 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.
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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