Worst air pollution Dorchester, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Dorchester is fair. AQI and O3 are fair; PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 5:00 PM (O3: 29.1/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Dorchester is fair. NO2 increases to fair; all other pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 8:00 PM (NO2: 24.7/100). 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.
The M40 generates consistent traffic-related NO₂ and PM2.5, particularly during peak commuting hours. Dorchester's air quality reflects its position within Dorset, with local traffic and the town's built-up core as the main contributors. Prevailing westerlies usually ensure decent dispersal, so levels generally stay within the moderate range typical of UK towns.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 17:00
AQI:
Fair
29.1/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
8.3/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
3.0/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Good
11.2/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
29.1/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
1.1/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
2.2/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
6.3/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 20:00
AQI:
Fair
24.7/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
12.0/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
4.0/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Fair
24.7/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
23.0/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
1.7/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
3.5/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
11.6/100
Pollen forecast in Dorchester
View pollen forecastFrequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Dorchester right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Dorchester is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 29.1/100. Pollution peaks around 5:00 PM (O3: 29.1/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Dorchester?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Dorchester will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 24.7/100. Pollution peaks around 8:00 PM (NO2: 24.7/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Dorchester?
Here's the thing about Dorchester: air quality has a clear seasonal rhythm. Come winter, NO₂ and PM2.5 usually creep up, as heating and calmer air let M40 traffic emissions linger rather than disperse. Warmer months swap one problem for another — less smoke and heating pollution, but more ozone on the sunniest days. Spring and autumn tend to be the calmer, more moderate stretches by comparison.
Are air quality levels in Dorchester 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