Is the air quality good in New York City?
As of February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT, air quality in New York City, USA, is unhealthy for sensitive groups, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 139. An Air Quality Health Advisory is in effect due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
The advisory applies to New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, as well as Westchester and Rockland (1).
People who are more sensitive to air pollution, including children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions, should limit strenuous outdoor activity. Symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and shortness of breath may occur (2).
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. New York City ranked 11th among the most polluted major cities in the world on Wednesday morning (local time).
Click here for a real-time air quality map of New York City.
While the air quality today is poor, it’s worth noting that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for New York City was 7.5 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 31 (“good”), and was 1.5 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
New York City was listed as the 11th most polluted major city on February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in New York City?
The Air Quality Health Advisory remains in effect through late Wednesday night, with some updates indicating it could extend until midnight Thursday depending on conditions (3).
Air quality is expected to improve into the moderate range by this evening as weather conditions gradually allow pollutants to disperse.
Hourly air quality forecast for New York City, USA on February 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM PT. Source: IQAir.
Over the past 30 days, air quality has generally stayed within the good to moderate range. However, today levels have risen into the unhealthy for sensitive groups category.
Daily air quality trends in New York City, USA, over the past 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of New York City, USA, on February 18, 2026. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in New York City?
The primary pollutant of concern is fine particulate matter, also known as PM2.5. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing health risks, particularly for sensitive individuals (4).
The current elevated levels are mainly due to light winds, stagnant air, and limited atmospheric mixing. These weather conditions prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively, allowing fine particles to build up near the ground (5).
PM2.5 commonly comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions, combustion processes, and chemical reactions in the atmosphere (6).
Officials recommend staying indoors when possible, limiting activities that generate pollution, and staying informed through official alerts and the state air quality hotline (7).
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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.
