Worst air pollution Onitsha, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Onitsha is fair. AQI, PM2.5, HCHO, and PM1 are fair; PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, and CO are good. Pollution peaks around 10:00 PM (PM1: 36.2/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Onitsha is fair. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 12:00 AM (PM1: 28.7/100). 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
Use our Strava plugin to check your own exposure.
Onitsha's air quality reflects the flat southeastern Nigeria Niger River port position at 53 metres, with vehicle traffic on surrounding roads and the extraordinary market density — Onitsha hosting Africa's largest open-air market — vehicle density, and informal industrial corridor generating elevated PM2.5 and black carbon. The tropical wet season's convective rain provides periodic cleansing, while dry season Harmattan dust and the extraordinary market traffic maintain Onitsha among Nigeria's most distinctively commerce-influenced urban environments.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 22:00
AQI:
Fair
36.2/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Fair
28.7/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
8.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
3.7/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
19.5/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
1.2/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Fair
28.0/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Fair
36.2/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 00:00
AQI:
Fair
28.7/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Fair
22.3/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
6.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
3.0/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
15.8/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
0.9/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Fair
26.0/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Fair
28.7/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Onitsha right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Onitsha is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 36.2/100. Pollution peaks around 10:00 PM (PM1: 36.2/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Onitsha?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Onitsha will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 28.7/100. Pollution peaks around 12:00 AM (PM1: 28.7/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Onitsha?
Onitsha usually sees its poorest air quality when road traffic together with fishing fleet activity coincide with periods when dry, windy weather picks up. These wind events can carry dust in from the surrounding arid landscape. This is most noticeable during spring and autumn wind events.
Are air quality levels in Onitsha 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.
Check air quality in other popular cities:
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