Forecast for Thursday 4th June 2026
Continued unsettled and breezy weather on Thursday are expected to keep air pollution levels Low across the whole of the UK.
Air pollution levels forecast to remain Low for all areas on Friday.
Low levels of air pollution currently expected to continue through the outlook period.
Air Pollution Forecast issued by the Met Office on 4 June 2026 at 06:00
Thu 4 June
Fri 5 June
Sat 6 June
Sun 7 June
Mon 8 June
Latest Air Quality Index data from Defra's network of air quality monitoring stations
Most recent data collected at Thursday 4 June 2026 11:00
Pollution key:
Low 1 Low 2 Low 3 Moderate 4 Moderate 5 Moderate 6 High 7 High 8 High 9 Very High 10
The current data snapshot and forecast levels do not always coincide, for various reasons. Forecasting air quality is an inexact science, even more so than forecasting the weather! Measurement data is very localised, and can be affected by factors specific to the measuring sites. Forecasts are for the maximum levels expected during the day, and not all locations may reach the peak at the same time.
Air pollution remains a significant public health issue in the United Kingdom, contributing to thousands of premature deaths each year. While efforts to reduce harmful emissions have made progress in recent decades, many urban areas still experience pollution levels that exceed recommended safety thresholds.
The primary pollutants of concern include nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), and ground-level ozone. These pollutants mostly stem from road traffic, especially diesel vehicles, as well as industrial activity and residential heating.
Exposure to air pollution can lead to a range of serious health problems. Short-term effects may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, particularly in vulnerable individuals such as children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Long-term exposure is linked to more severe outcomes, including heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and the worsening of chronic respiratory diseases.
Research has also shown a connection between air pollution and cognitive decline, suggesting that prolonged exposure may increase the risk of dementia. Moreover, people living in deprived areas often face higher pollution levels, contributing to health inequalities across the country.
This website allows you to view and monitor predicted air pollution levels across the country as well as historical data from the national network of air pollution monitoring stations.