Worst air pollution Grahamstown, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Grahamstown is good. AQI, PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 19.8/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Grahamstown is good. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 18.4/100). 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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Grahamstown's air quality in the Eastern Cape reflects the 820-metre elevated position in the Makana municipality, with vehicle traffic on the N2 and the surrounding academic and small manufacturing character of this major university city contributing local sources. The surrounding Eastern Cape hills create topographic variation, while Indian Ocean coastal influence from Port Elizabeth provides periodic eastern ventilation and the relatively low industrial base maintains moderate conditions.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 14:00
AQI:
Good
19.8/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
7.5/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
2.3/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
11.6/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
19.8/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
9.0/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
6.0/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
8.9/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 14:00
AQI:
Good
18.4/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
8.2/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
2.5/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
10.3/100
O3 (ozone):
Good
18.4/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
8.1/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
6.1/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
9.7/100
Pollen forecast in Grahamstown
View pollen forecastFrequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Grahamstown right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Grahamstown is good. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 19.8/100. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 19.8/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Grahamstown?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Grahamstown will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at good at 18.4/100. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 18.4/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Grahamstown?
Air quality at Grahamstown tends to be slightly worse during the drier winter months, when reduced rainfall allows dust and local emissions to persist longer than usual around the town. From spring onward, increasing rainfall and the region's transitional climate between the Cape and the summer-rainfall interior generally bring clearer, more consistent conditions through summer.
Are air quality levels in Grahamstown 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