Checking local air quality can help you plan your day. The charts below reflect the current air quality, as provided by the federal government's AirNow.gov website. During ozone season — from March 1 through October 31 — the index reflects ozone forecast conditions and current conditions based on data from Missouri’s ambient air quality monitors for ozone and fine particulate matter. Real-time readings may change during the day, depending on weather conditions and levels of emissions, so it's a good idea to check them frequently.

Current air quality for Kansas City
Current air quality for St. Louis
Current air quality for Springfield

Use the links below to access today's air quality forecast, tomorrow's forecast and real-time readings on EPA's Air Quality Index.

Understanding the Air Quality Index Anchor

EPA’s color-coded index chart below provides additional information regarding the various levels of health concerns. Numerical values of 100 or less on the Air Quality Index meets the federal standard for a pollutant, which EPA has set to protect public health. 

Understanding the Air Quality Index - Color Chart
AQI Color Level of Concern Index Values Description of Air Quality
Green Good 0 to 50 Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
Yellow Moderate 51 to 100 Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Orange Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101 to 150 Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
Red Unhealthy 151 to 200 Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Purple Very Unhealthy 201 to 300 Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
Maroon Hazardous 301 and higher Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.

Additional Resources:

  • Agilaire is a tool that provides an alternative resource and map, which shows the air quality index for other pollutants that are not currently part of EPA's AirNow.gov.
  • EnviroFlash is a service that sends out bulletins about air quality. You pick the bulletins you want. Choices include daily forecasts and/or notifications of action days — days forecasted orange to maroon on EPA's Air Quality Index.