Worst air pollution Empangeni, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Empangeni is fair. AQI, PM2.5, O3, SO2, and PM1 are fair; PM10, NO2, CO, and HCHO are good. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 32.3/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Empangeni is fair. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 35.2/100). 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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Empangeni's air quality reflects the KwaZulu-Natal north coast position, with the Richards Bay industrial complex's aluminium smelter, titanium and coal export terminal operations generating elevated industrial PM2.5 and SO₂ nearby. Indian Ocean sea breezes generally provide coastal ventilation, while the surrounding Zululand agricultural and commercial character and the proximity to Richards Bay's heavy industry represent the primary local air quality influences.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 15:00
AQI:
Fair
32.3/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Fair
20.8/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
6.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
11.0/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
32.3/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Fair
26.2/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
7.1/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Fair
24.6/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 15:00
AQI:
Fair
35.2/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Fair
24.3/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
7.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
11.9/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
35.2/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Fair
21.2/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
5.6/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Fair
28.1/100
Pollen forecast in Empangeni
View pollen forecastFrequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Empangeni right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Empangeni is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 32.3/100. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 32.3/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Empangeni?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Empangeni will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 35.2/100. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 35.2/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Empangeni?
Air quality at Empangeni is generally stable year-round thanks to consistent Indian Ocean sea breezes, though hot, still, humid days in mid-summer can occasionally allow haze and local emissions to build up before the breeze returns. Winter months typically see the most reliable ventilation and the clearest conditions overall across the coastal area.
Are air quality levels in Empangeni 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