Air Quality Index (AQI) in Iraq 🇮🇶

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, is measured at a score of 68. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Moderate. The current atmosphere in Baghdad is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 18.0 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 40.1 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 53.4 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Iraq 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 Al Mawşil al Jadīdah, Al Başrah al Qadīmah, Mosul, Erbil and Basrah. 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: Iraq Right Now

Across 36 monitored cities in Iraq, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 47 AQI in Sīnah (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 166 AQI in Al ‘Amārah (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 1 Good, 27 Moderate, 6 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 2 Unhealthy. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 26.3 µg/m³ — approximately 5.3 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Iraq Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Pollution Monitor & AQI Forecast: Iraq Regions

Al Hārithah
2
Ash Shaţrah
2

Hajiawa
2
Al Ḩayy
2

Jamjamāl
3
Khāliş
1

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Iraq 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 Iraq

The median reading across 36 monitored cities is 75.0 AQI. The national spread is 119 points, from 47 in Sīnah to 166 in Al ‘Amārah. Average PM2.5 is 26.3 µg/m³ (5.3× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is Unhealthy. Reduce prolonged outdoor exertion and check the city reading before planning exercise or travel.

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 Iraq — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in Iraq?

Live AQI readings for 36 city(ies) across Iraq are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Iraq's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Iraq?

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 Iraq?

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 Iraq.