Air Quality in Washington, DC
Real-time AQI data for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area
Last updated: 1/23/2026, 9:26:34 PM
41
Good
Good
Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Health Advisory
None
5-Day Air Quality Forecast
Washington, DC
Today
52
Moderate
Sat, Jan 24
58
Moderate
Sun, Jan 25
28
Good
Mon, Jan 26
49
Good
Tue, Jan 27
23
Good
Current Conditions
Dominant Pollutant
O3Ground-level Ozone
Air Quality IndexAQI 41
Reporting AreaWashington-Arlington-Alexandria
AQI Scale
0-50: Good
51-100: Moderate
101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
151-200: Unhealthy
201-300: Very Unhealthy
301-500: Hazardous
About Air Quality in Washington
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Washington, District of Columbia is currently 41, which is considered good. The dominant pollutant today is Ground-level Ozone.
Who Should Be Concerned?
- People with asthma or respiratory conditions
- Children and older adults
- People who work or exercise outdoors
- Anyone with heart disease
How to Protect Yourself
- Check the AQI before planning outdoor activities
- Limit strenuous outdoor exercise when AQI is unhealthy
- Keep windows closed and use air conditioning with a clean filter
- Consider using a portable air purifier with HEPA filter
- Wear an N95 mask during very poor air quality conditions
Common Pollutants
- PM2.5: Tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometers that can penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream.
- PM10: Particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers, including dust, pollen, and mold.
- Ozone: A harmful gas created by chemical reactions between pollutants in sunlight.
- NO2: A reddish-brown gas from burning fuel, can irritate airways.
- CO: A colorless, odorless gas from incomplete combustion.
- SO2: A gas from burning fossil fuels, can affect breathing.
Health Resources
Improve Indoor Air Quality
A quality air purifier can help remove pollutants and allergens from your home.
View All Air Purifiers →Affiliate link - we may earn a commission