Air Quality Index (AQI) in Burkina Faso 🇧🇫

Live Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5 Levels in Burkina Faso

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, is measured at a score of 65. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Moderate. The current atmosphere in Ouagadougou is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 16.8 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 27.1 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 5.3 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Burkina Faso based on industrial output, traffic density, and local weather patterns. Real-time pollution data and respiratory health alerts are also being actively monitored in cities like Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, Saaba, Ouahigouya and Kaya. Tracking these air quality metrics is essential for residents nationwide to manage outdoor exposure and maintain respiratory safety during periods of increased particulate concentration.

Air Quality Snapshot: Burkina Faso Right Now

Across 10 monitored cities in Burkina Faso, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 55 AQI in Fada N'gourma (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 104 AQI in Ouahigouya (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 8 Moderate, 2 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 22.4 µg/m³ — approximately 4.5 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Burkina Faso Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Houndé
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Fada N'gourma
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* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Burkina Faso is calculated using the US EPA standard. Information is processed from multiple monitoring stations detecting PM2.5, PM10, and gaseous pollutants to ensure accuracy for respiratory health planning.

What Today's Readings Mean in Burkina Faso

The median reading across 10 monitored cities is 68.5 AQI. The national spread is 49 points, from 55 in Fada N'gourma to 104 in Ouahigouya. Average PM2.5 is 22.4 µg/m³ (4.5× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exertion in the affected city.

See the complete AQI and pollutant reference scales

Health & Scientific Resources

→ How to read US EPA Air Quality Index before going outside → Understanding Air Quality Index levels and what they mean → When haze forms and what it does to air quality

Air Quality in Burkina Faso — FAQ

Common questions about AQI levels, pollutants, and data sources for Burkina Faso.

What is the current air quality in Burkina Faso?

Live AQI readings for 10 city(ies) across Burkina Faso are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Burkina Faso's AQI data come from?

Real-time readings come from ground-based monitoring stations operated by national environmental agencies in Burkina Faso, delivered via WeatherAPI.com and aggregated using the EPA AQI formula.

What is a healthy AQI value in Burkina Faso?

On the EPA scale used worldwide, 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, and 301-500 is Hazardous. The WHO 24-hour PM2.5 guideline is 15 μg/m³.

Why do AQI readings vary between cities in Burkina Faso?

Air quality is highly local — major pollution sources (traffic, industry, dust, wildfires) cluster around cities, while wind direction and topography move them around. Comparing nearby readings on this page is the best way to see how conditions change across Burkina Faso.