Air Quality Index (AQI) in Western Sahara 🇪🇭

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

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Laayoune (El Aaiun), the capital of Western Sahara, is measured at a score of 228. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Very Unhealthy. The current atmosphere in Laayoune (El Aaiun) is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 152.7 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 858.7 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 0.5 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Western Sahara 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 Laayoune, Dakhla, Boujdour and Laayoune Plage. 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: Western Sahara Right Now

Across 5 monitored cities in Western Sahara, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 160 AQI in Dakhla (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 228 AQI in Laayoune (El Aaiun) (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 1 Unhealthy, 4 Very Unhealthy. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 135.8 µg/m³ — approximately 27.2 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Western Sahara Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Laayoune (El Aaiun)
5
Laayoune
5

Dakhla
4
Boujdour
5

Laayoune Plage
5

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Western Sahara 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 Western Sahara

The median reading across 5 monitored cities is 228 AQI. The national spread is 68 points, from 160 in Dakhla to 228 in Laayoune (El Aaiun). Average PM2.5 is 135.8 µg/m³ (27.2× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is Very Unhealthy or Hazardous. Avoid outdoor exertion in the affected city and follow local public-health advice.

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 Western Sahara — FAQ

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

What is the current air quality in Western Sahara?

Live AQI readings for 5 city(ies) across Western Sahara are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Western Sahara's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in Western Sahara?

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 Western Sahara?

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 Western Sahara.