Worst air pollution Lilongwe, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Lilongwe is fair. AQI, O3, and HCHO are fair; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 32.6/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Lilongwe is fair. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 10:00 AM (O3: 22.3/100). 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
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Lilongwe's air quality reflects the flat Malawi plateau at 1,050 metres in the Lake Malawi watershed, with vehicle traffic on surrounding roads and the government, vehicle density, and charcoal burning corridor generating elevated PM2.5 and black carbon. The elevated plateau position aids dispersal on most days, while the dry season's agricultural burning from surrounding Malawi woodland contributes elevated PM2.5 and Lilongwe generally maintains moderate to elevated Sub-Saharan African plateau capital readings throughout most of the year.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 15:00
AQI:
Fair
32.6/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
10.4/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
2.8/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
0/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
32.6/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
0/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Fair
25.8/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
14.2/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 10:00
AQI:
Fair
22.3/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
9.9/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
2.7/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
0/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
22.3/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
0/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Fair
20.5/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
13.4/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Lilongwe right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Lilongwe is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 32.6/100. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 32.6/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Lilongwe?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Lilongwe will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 22.3/100. Pollution peaks around 10:00 AM (O3: 22.3/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Lilongwe?
Air quality in Lilongwe tends to be worse when road traffic, agricultural activity, along with charcoal and wood-burning build up and the colder winter months arrive. Fuel burned for winter heating adds an extra layer of particulates on top of other sources. This effect eases considerably during the warmer months.
Are air quality levels in Lilongwe 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