Worst air pollution Colchester, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Colchester is fair. AQI and O3 are fair; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 4:00 PM (O3: 31.8/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Colchester is fair. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 34.1/100). 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.
The A47 generates consistent traffic-related NO₂ and PM2.5, particularly during peak commuting hours. Like much of Essex, Colchester's air quality is shaped less by industry these days and more by everyday road traffic. Southwesterly winds usually ensure decent dispersal, so levels generally stay within the moderate range typical of UK towns.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 16:00
AQI:
Fair
31.8/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
10.9/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
3.7/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
11.0/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
31.8/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
1.9/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.3/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
9.3/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 14:00
AQI:
Fair
34.1/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
12.3/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
4.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
13.0/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
34.1/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
1.8/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.8/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
10.9/100
Pollen forecast in Colchester
View pollen forecastFrequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Colchester right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Colchester is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 31.8/100. Pollution peaks around 4:00 PM (O3: 31.8/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Colchester?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Colchester will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 34.1/100. Pollution peaks around 2:00 PM (O3: 34.1/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Colchester?
There's a clear yearly cycle to air quality in Colchester if you look closely. The coldest months usually bring the worst readings, as heating and temperature inversions keep A47 emissions from dispersing normally. By summer, ozone tends to rise on bright days, while better ventilation generally keeps particulate and NO₂ levels lower than winter. For much of spring and autumn, things settle into a fairly unremarkable middle ground.
Are air quality levels in Colchester 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.
Want to see air quality forecasts for other cities in United Kingdom?
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