Worst air pollution Columbus, today and tomorrow
Today (16 July): Air quality in Columbus is fair. AQI, NO2, and O3 are fair; PM2.5, PM10, SO2, CO, HCHO, and PM1 are good. Pollution peaks around 1:00 PM (O3: 35.2/100).
Tomorrow (17 July 2026): Air quality in Columbus is fair. All pollutants stay as today. Pollution peaks around 12:00 PM (O3: 39.5/100). 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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Columbus's air quality in Indiana reflects the flat Bartholomew County terrain, with vehicle emissions from I-65 and the surrounding Cummins Inc. diesel engine manufacturing operations — Columbus being Cummins' global headquarters — generating distinctive industrial diesel engine testing emissions alongside primary vehicle sources. The flat Indiana terrain provides generally good wind dispersal, while summer regional ozone from the Ohio Valley airshed is the primary warm-season concern throughout the year.
Today - 16 July | Pollution peaks at 13:00
AQI:
Fair
35.2/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
15.4/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
10.2/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Fair
21.0/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
35.2/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
3.1/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
4.5/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
10.6/100
Levels show the poorest local air quality during the day
Tomorrow - 17 July | Pollution peaks at 12:00
AQI:
Fair
39.5/100
PM2.5 (fine particles):
Good
19.0/100
PM10 (coarse particles):
Good
12.1/100
NO2 (nitrogen dioxide):
Fair
20.4/100
O3 (ozone):
Fair
39.5/100
SO2 (sulfur dioxide):
Good
3.5/100
CO (carbon monoxide):
Good
0.0/100
HCHO (formaldehyde):
Good
4.6/100
PM1 (ultrafine particles):
Good
12.2/100
Pollen forecast in Columbus
View pollen forecastAir quality forecasts for neighbourhoods and landmarks in Columbus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air quality bad in Columbus right now?
On 16 July 2026, overall air quality in Columbus is fair. AQI is the main air quality indicator at 35.2/100. Pollution peaks around 1:00 PM (O3: 35.2/100).
Will air quality be worse tomorrow in Columbus?
On 17 July 2026, air quality conditions in Columbus will be similar to today, with AQI forecast at fair at 39.5/100. Pollution peaks around 12:00 PM (O3: 39.5/100).
When is air pollution at its worst in Columbus?
Air quality in Columbus shifts across the year. Typically, between summer ozone and occasional winter inversions, spring and fall are the year's cleanest stretch, while the hottest, most humid summer days bring the year's worst ozone readings. Calm, cold winter spells can occasionally allow local pollution to build up before the next weather system clears it.
Are air quality levels in Columbus 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 States?
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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