Worst air pollution Empangeni, today and tomorrow
Today (9 August): Air quality in Empangeni is fair. AQI and O3 are fair; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 33.2/100).
Tomorrow (10 August 2026): Air quality in Empangeni is fair. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 12:00 AM (O3: 21.9/100). Airmine updates local air quality forecasts four times daily.
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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 - 9 August | Pollution peaks at 15:00
AQI:
Fair
33.2/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
14.2/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
4.6/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
4.6/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
33.2/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
13.0/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
8.8/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
16.1/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 10 August | Pollution peaks at 00:00
AQI:
Fair
21.9/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
8.7/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
3.5/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
3.5/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
21.9/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
4.9/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
1.3/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
7.4/100
Pollen forecast in Empangeni
View pollen forecastAir quality forecasts for neighbourhoods and landmarks in Empangeni
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Empangeni right now?
On 9 August 2026, overall air quality in Empangeni is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 33.2/100. Pollution peaks around 3:00 PM (O3: 33.2/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Empangeni?
On 10 August 2026, air quality conditions in Empangeni will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 21.9/100. Pollution peaks around 12:00 AM (O3: 21.9/100).
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.
Why doesn’t the forecast always reflect wildfire impacts?
Airmine’s forecast uses CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) as its background atmospheric model. While CAMS includes wildfire emissions, these are derived from satellite observations and are not available in real time. During rapidly evolving wildfire events, there may therefore be a delay before increased emissions are incorporated into the model. As a result, the forecast may temporarily underestimate PM₂.₅ and other pollutants associated with wildfire smoke.
During rapidly evolving wildfire events, CAMS may lag by approximately 1–2 days before increased wildfire emissions are fully represented, which can lead to temporary underestimation of PM₂.₅ concentrations in Airmine’s forecast.
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Data provided by Airmine — Last update: 9 August 2026 at 20:27 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.
Disclaimer: Forecasts are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Actual pollen and air quality conditions may vary from the forecast. If you have allergies, asthma, or another medical condition, consult a healthcare professional. Please see our Terms of Service for important information about limitations of liability.
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