How do I check air quality in my area?

Use Defra's Check air quality service, which gives the forecast Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) for your area on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (very high), with health advice. Measured readings from monitoring stations are on UK-AIR and the new Get air pollution data service.

Scotland and Wales run their own sites, Air Quality in Scotland and Air Quality in Wales, using the same index. Councils also monitor local hotspots and publish annual status reports.

For trends, Defra's annual air quality statistics report concentrations of pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and fine particles (PM2.5). Emissions (what is released) and concentrations (what people breathe) are separate statistics and can move differently.

Official sources: Check air quality (Defra) · UK-AIR · Air quality statistics

The latest figure

The newest value is at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). More on it: UK greenhouse gas emissions.

When is the next figure out?

Provisional estimates for the previous year in late March or early April (2 April 2026 for 2025); final estimates in February the year after (final 2025 figures due February 2027). File URLs change with each release

Every official release due in the next two weeks is on the release calendar.

Terms used in this answer

• Provisional figures
  Early estimates published before all data are in, so users get timely figures. They are expected to be updated when later data arrive.
• Revisions
  Changes to previously published figures, made when more complete data, improved methods or updated seasonal factors become available. A normal part of official statistics.
• Outturn
  The actual recorded figure for a period that has ended, as opposed to a plan, budget or forecast for it.
• Calendar year
  January to December. Used for GDP annual totals, registered deaths and many international comparisons, unlike the April to March financial year.

Where the figures come from

• Environment Agency, Ofwat, Defra and Met Office environmental data
  Where to find Environment Agency sewage spill and water quality data, flood APIs, Ofwat performance, Defra air quality and Met Office climate records.

Related questions

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This answer says where the official figures are published and how they are defined. It gives no verdict on any claim. To report an error, send a correction request. More questions about water, sewage, air and climate: all Water, sewage, air and climate questions.