Is the air quality good in Jerusalem?
As of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM PT, Jerusalem, Israel is experiencing exceptionally poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index levels above 500, making it the most polluted major city globally today.
PM2.5 concentrations are extremely high, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s annual guideline, creating thick haze and very unhealthy conditions for residents.
Such hazardous air quality can impair lung function and elevate health risks even for healthy individuals, let alone children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Jerusalem's air quality map.
While air quality today is exceptionally poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 93 times the WHO annual guideline, long-term data suggest this is not the norm. In 2024, Jerusalem recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 15 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 56, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Although this remains three times above the WHO annual guideline, it indicates that pollution levels are generally far lower than today’s extreme episode.
Jerusalem, Israel, ranked as the most polluted major city as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Jerusalem?
Jerusalem’s temporary air quality spike is forecast to improve significantly by late night, falling back into the moderate range as dust and sand concentrations ease and traffic levels decline.
Hourly air quality forecast for Jerusalem, Israel, as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Jerusalem, Israel, as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Jerusalem?
Jerusalem’s current severe pollution spike is driven by several overlapping factors. A significant contributor is long-range dust transport from surrounding desert regions carried by southwesterly winds, which lifts and deposits fine dust particles into the urban atmosphere (1).
Urban emissions from heavy traffic, including diesel vehicles, add nitrogen oxides and fine particulates to the mix. Industrial emissions and domestic combustion further elevate pollution levels. In combination with stagnant atmospheric conditions and minimal rainfall, these sources lead to the accumulation of dense smog in the city.
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How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
