The Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a system of colors and numbers used to communicate the air quality in a region. The AQI color scheme starts with green for healthy air through maroon for the unhealthiest level. Likewise, AQI numbers go from healthiest (0-50) to unhealthiest (300+).

The AQI can be used in a number of ways. DEQ uses it to forecast expected conditions for the day. Each day our forecasters attempt to predict the most likely air quality conditions for the day and display that data in the form of the AQI. Each AQI color has a descriptor statement that informs the public of any necessary precautions to take.

Check today’s AQI forecast

AQI Precautions Chart

Ozone Alerts & Particulate Matter (PM) Alerts

Since ozone and PM are particularly troublesome pollutants in Oklahoma, we make a special forecast for them. Each day we check the weather forecast, current monitoring data, and available atmospheric chemistry models to try to forecast ozone and PM concentrations across the state. Ozone Alerts and PM Alerts are called on days when tomorrow’s ozone or PM concentrations could reach levels unhealthy for sensitive groups (orange) or worse on the AQI. When an Ozone Alert or PM Alert is issued, a banner will appear on the DEQ Home Page. Information will be provided there to indicate what parts of the state are forecasted to be affected.

Unlike weather, high ozone is not inevitable. You can take steps to reduce your contribution to ozone formation on an Ozone Alert day. Individual actions can add up to reduce ozone pollution.

If an Ozone Alert or PM Alert is called for the next day, you will see a notification here.

Air Quality Health Advisories

An Air Quality Health Advisory is a graphic email/text notification which tells the subscriber air pollution levels are currently unhealthy for sensitive groupsSensitive GroupsPeople sensitive to air pollution, including those with heart or lung diseases like asthma, the elderly, and children. or worse. Health Advisories may be issued for any monitored criteria pollutant that reaches unhealthy levels, but usually ozone and inhalable particulate matter (PM) are the pollutants of concern. DEQ bases advisories on data collected by DEQ, supplemented with tribal and regional data.

Health advisories are helpful for sensitive individuals and anyone else to plan their outdoor and/or strenuous activities.

Sign up for email and/or text message Air Quality Health Advisory notifications