Worst air pollution Karbalā’, today and tomorrow

Today (16 July): Air quality in Karbalā’ is fair. NO2 is fair; AQI, PM2.5, PM10, and O3 are medium; SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 12:00 PM (O3: 49.0/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Karbalā’ is poor. AQI worsens to poor; PM10 increases to poor; NO2 decreases to medium; SO2 increases to medium; PM1 increases to fair; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 9:00 AM (PM10: 62.3/100). 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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Karbalā'ʼs air quality reflects the flat Iraqi Euphrates River holy city position at 29 metres, with vehicle density and the extraordinary Shia pilgrimage traffic, construction, and conflict-legacy corridor generating elevated PM2.5. Shamal Desert dust generates elevated PM10, while the extraordinary pilgrimage vehicle concentration during Arbaeen — the world's largest annual gathering — represents the most distinctive periodic air quality event throughout the year.

Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 12:00

AQI:

Medium

49.0/100

PM2.5 (fine particles):

Medium

41.5/100

PM10 (coarse particles):

Medium

45.5/100

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):

Fair

24.2/100

O3 (ozone):

Medium

49.0/100

SO2 (sulfur dioxide):

Good

11.8/100

CO (carbon monoxide):

Good

0.0/100

HCHO (formaldehyde):

Good

3.5/100

PM1 (ultrafine particles):

Good

15.4/100

Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day

Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 09:00

AQI:

Poor

62.3/100

PM2.5 (fine particles):

Medium

54.4/100

PM10 (coarse particles):

Poor

62.3/100

NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):

Medium

43.9/100

O3 (ozone):

Medium

46.2/100

SO2 (sulfur dioxide):

Medium

40.6/100

CO (carbon monoxide):

Good

0.0/100

HCHO (formaldehyde):

Good

3.6/100

PM1 (ultrafine particles):

Fair

21.4/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is air quality bad in Karbalā’ right now?

On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Karbalā’ is fair. NO2 is the main pollutant at 24.2/100. Pollution peaks around 12:00 PM (O3: 49.0/100).

Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Karbalā’?

On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Karbalā’ will be worse than today, with AQI forecast at poor at 62.3/100. Pollution peaks around 9:00 AM (PM10: 62.3/100).

When is air pollution at its worst in Karbalā’?

Pollution in Karbalā’ typically rises when vehicle traffic as well as ongoing construction work combine, especially once windblown dust events occur. These wind events can carry dust in from the surrounding arid landscape. Such events are most common in the drier shoulder seasons.

Are air quality levels in Karbalā’ 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