Forecast and alerts

The map shows a forecast of expected air quality over the next three days, for a number of different air pollutants, so that you can plan ahead.

The map displays the Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI)  which is numbered 1-10 and divided into four bands, low (1) to very high (10), to indicate immediate short-term air pollution levels in a simple way, similar to the sun index or pollen index.​ While these are not linked to legal limits it can help to show whether you are likely to be at risk from air pollution on that particular day. It also recommends what you can do and gives health advice to consider over the next few hours or days.

The Daily Air Quality Index doesn’t take into account the cumulative effect of long-term exposure to air pollution over months and years which may contribute to chronic health conditions – similar to smoking.

Air pollution is above legal annual average limits in some areas of our region. As a result, government has instructed Greater Manchester to produce and implement a Clean Air Plan to address the harmful effects of long-term exposure to NO2 pollution.

There is separate long-term monitoring of annual average levels of NO2 air pollution for the purpose of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan.

Choose pollutant

Daily air quality index

Low

123

Moderate

456

High

789

Very High

10

Sign up for FREE air pollution alerts

You can receive text messages, emails and recorded calls by signing up to our Air Alerts service.

The messages are free and are based on a forecast of expected air quality for today or the next day. To receive free alerts by text message, email or recorded call just enter your details by clicking on one of the buttons below.

You’ll receive an alert if the pollution is forecast to be moderate or above on the Daily Air Quality Index scale either the same day or the next day, depending on your preference.

TextEmailRecorded call

Live pollution alerts