Air quality index (AQI⁺) and PM2.5 air pollution in New York •
When air quality in your area reaches unhealthy levels, we'll send you a quick alert, along with expert tips on how to reduce your exposure.
Real-time most polluted cities in New York
Real-time cleanest cities in New York
When outdoor air quality drops, the EPA recommends upgrading to a MERV 13 filter — or the highest-rated filter your HVAC system can handle — to help capture more of the fine particulate (PM2.5) that comes with poor air quality. MERV 13 is the highest rating most residential systems can run without restricting airflow.
AQI stands for Air Quality Index, the EPA's scale for reporting daily air quality. It runs from 0 to 500. The higher the number, the greater the level of air pollution. Values at or below 100 are generally considered satisfactory; values above 100 mean air quality is unhealthy, first for sensitive groups, then for everyone as numbers climb.
The AQI tracks five major pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The reported AQI value reflects whichever pollutant is highest at that time — most often ozone or fine particles (PM2.5).
Monitoring stations measure pollutant concentrations, and the EPA converts each into a standardized 0–500 score using set breakpoints. Each pollutant gets its own sub-index, and the highest sub-index becomes the reported AQI. That's why a single number can represent different pollutants on different days.
An AQI of 0–50 is rated "Good" — air quality poses little or no risk. 51–100 is "Moderate," acceptable for most people though unusually sensitive individuals may want to limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Anything at or below 100 is generally considered satisfactory air quality.
100 is the dividing line: at or below it, air quality is satisfactory for the general public. From 101–150, air is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" — people with respiratory conditions, older adults, and children. From 151–200, it's "Unhealthy" and everyone may begin to feel effects.
Short-term AQI spikes usually come from wildfire smoke, temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground, high-ozone weather (hot, sunny, stagnant days), or heavy traffic and industrial activity. Check a real-time source like the map on this page to see which pollutant is driving today's reading in your area.
Many runners follow the EPA category lines: below 50, no adjustment needed; 51–100, unusually sensitive people may shorten intense workouts; above 100, sensitive groups are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion; above 150, that advice extends to everyone. Exercise increases how much air you breathe in, which is why thresholds matter more during workouts.
A common rule of thumb is to keep windows open when the AQI is under 100 and close them when it climbs above, especially during wildfire smoke events when fine particles are elevated. When windows are closed, running your HVAC system with a fresh filter helps capture particles circulating indoors.
Public health agencies generally suggest considering a well-fitted N95-style respirator outdoors when the AQI exceeds 150, particularly during smoke events. Cloth and surgical masks don't filter fine particles effectively. Follow guidance from your local health department, which may adjust recommendations during severe episodes.
Use the live AQI map to see the air where you live or work in New York City. Check your neighborhood, note the color and number, and plan outdoor time or focus on indoor air if levels climb.
Current Status: New York's overall air quality index is approximately 39-43 AQICN, placing it in the "Good" category. The main pollutant is PM2.5.
What This Means: Air quality is satisfactory with minimal health risk. Outdoor activities are safe for most people.
Best Live AQI Map Resources:
AirNow.gov – Official EPA real-time data
IQAir.com – Global coverage with forecasts
AQICN.org – Interactive visual pollution map
AQI Scale Quick Reference: 0-50 (Good) → Enjoy outdoor activities. 51-100 (Moderate) → Sensitive groups limit prolonged exertion. 101-150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) → Reduce outdoor activity. 151+ (Unhealthy) → Everyone limit exposure.
The map gives a fast view for your block or borough.
Common drivers include traffic, hot sunny afternoons (ozone), construction, harbor and airport activity, and smoke from Canadian wildfires.
On higher days, close windows, use “recirculate” on AC or HVAC, and keep one room cleaner with a portable air cleaner if you have one.
Pick a Filterbuy filter that your system can handle to reduce indoor particles while outdoor levels change.
New York’s air shifts with season, weather, and location. Traffic on major routes and at bridges and tunnels can add pollution during rush hours. Harbor, airport, and construction activity create local spikes. Hot, sunny afternoons can raise ozone. In recent summers, regional wildfire smoke has drifted into the city and pushed particle levels higher even when the sky just looks hazy. Wind shifts and sea breezes can move these conditions in a matter of hours.
In early June 2023, smoke from Canadian wildfires pushed New York City’s AQI above 200 at times and briefly ranked the city among the most polluted major metros in the world. Schools and districts canceled outdoor activities, and residents were advised to limit exertion and stay indoors during peak smoke hours.
On July 27, 2025, New York State issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for NYC and surrounding regions as another smoke plume raised AQI into levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. State agencies urged residents to follow AQI updates and adjust outdoor time as conditions changed through the day.
Open the map and check your neighborhood or ZIP code. Lower readings with cooler colors mean cleaner air. Higher readings with warmer colors mean more pollution. If the number rises during the day, keep outdoor time shorter or move hard activity indoors. This matters most for people with asthma, COPD, or heart disease, and for young children and older adults. Conditions can change by borough and even by block, so compare nearby areas when you plan.
Use the map like a quick weather check. Look in the morning before school runs, outdoor work, or exercise, then recheck if wind changes, heat builds, or smoke shows up in the forecast. If your route to the park shows higher readings than home, pick a different path or wait until levels ease.
Keep workouts shorter and choose lighter activities. Pick routes away from heavy traffic and idling areas. Drink water and rest in shade or an indoor space when you can. If coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath starts, go indoors and rest.
Close windows during the worst hours and run AC or HVAC on “recirculate” instead of pulling outside air.
Avoid indoor smoke and strong fumes. Do not smoke indoors. Skip wood fires. Go easy on heavy sprays.
If you have a portable air cleaner, run it in the bedroom or main living area so at least one room stays cleaner.
Keep a spare HVAC filter on hand and know the highest MERV your system allows. Choose one cleaner room and be ready to run a portable air cleaner there. Learn recirculate settings on your home system and in your car. Watch wind and smoke forecasts along with the live AQI map.
When air improves, wipe hard surfaces with a damp cloth, vacuum rugs with a HEPA type vacuum if available, and wash bedding and throws. Let the HVAC fan run for a few hours with a clean filter, then check the filter and replace it if it looks loaded.
Choose MERV 8 for everyday dust and larger pollen and to help keep the system clean.
Use MERV 11 if you have pets or mild allergies and want better capture of small particles like dander and many mold spores.
Consider MERV 13 for finer particles from smoke and city haze, but only if your system is rated for higher efficiency.
Filterbuy provides U.S. made pleated filters in many standard and custom sizes so the filter fits well and reduces air bypass. The synthetic media captures more than basic fiberglass and still supports airflow when changed on time. Many homes replace filters every one to three months. Orders ship fast with free shipping in the continental United States, and Auto Delivery helps you stay on schedule.
A live map that shows current outdoor air for your location with one number and a matching color.
Check in the morning before plans. Recheck later if wind shifts, heat builds, or smoke is in the forecast.
Traffic, construction, airports, the harbor, and wind can change air conditions block by block.
Keep workouts shorter or move them indoors. Sensitive groups should be extra careful.
Keep them closed during the worst hours and use recirculate on AC or HVAC.
A well-fitting N95 or similar respirator can reduce smoke particles. Cloth and surgical masks are not designed for smoke.
Close windows, use recirculation, avoid indoor smoke and strong sprays, and run a portable air cleaner if you have one.
Start with MERV 8 for basic dust. Use MERV 11 for pets or mild allergies. Choose MERV 13 for finer particles like smoke only if your system allows it.
Many homes change filters every 1 to 3 months. Check sooner during long cooling or heating periods or during smoke events.
Stop, go indoors, rest, and follow your care plan. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
