Worst air pollution Kota Bharu, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Kota Bharu is medium. AQI and O3 are medium; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 40.2/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Kota Bharu is fair. AQI worsens to fair; O3 increases to fair; HCHO increases to fair; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 5:00 PM (O3: 35.3/100). 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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Kota Bharu's air quality reflects the Kelantan coastal plain's South China Sea position adjacent to the Thai border, with vehicle traffic on surrounding roads and the agricultural, fishing, and services corridor contributing local sources. Consistent South China Sea northeast trade winds provide maritime ventilation during the wet season, while transboundary haze from Indonesian peatland fires represents the primary severe dry season air quality concern and Kota Bharu generally maintains moderate Malaysian northern coastal readings throughout non-haze periods.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 15:00
AQI:
Medium
40.2/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
10.4/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
3.0/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
5.4/100
O3 (ozone):
Medium
40.2/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
3.4/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
17.3/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
12.9/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 17:00
AQI:
Fair
35.3/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
9.8/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
2.8/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
5.3/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
35.3/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
3.3/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Fair
20.3/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
13.3/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Kota Bharu right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Kota Bharu is medium. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 40.2/100. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 40.2/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Kota Bharu?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Kota Bharu will be worse than today, with AQI forecast at fair at 35.3/100. Pollution peaks around 5:00 PM (O3: 35.3/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Kota Bharu?
Kota Bharu usually sees its poorest air quality when vehicle traffic, agricultural burning, as well as fishing fleet activity coincide with periods when maritime winds die down. Onshore breezes usually help clear the air, but pollution can build up when winds are light. This natural ventilation is one reason coastal areas often see better readings than inland cities.
Are air quality levels in Kota Bharu 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