Outdoor
Outdoor activity is generally possible, but conditions are not ideal.
Why: AQI or pollutant levels are elevated, so this guidance is more cautious.
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Columbus air quality today
Outdoor activity is generally possible, but conditions are not ideal.
Data: Hourly Open-Meteo model estimateThe latest update is older than expected, so this page is showing an estimate for the current hour.Detailed metrics and guidance use the latest available detailed data.
Practical guidance
Running
Outdoor running is generally fine, but air quality and warm, humid conditions may make harder efforts feel heavier.
Why: Air quality indicators are elevated, so the running guidance is more cautious.
Ventilation
Ventilate briefly and check conditions again later.
Why: AQI or pollutant levels are elevated, so longer ventilation may be better later.
Air quality and outdoor metrics
US AQI
Air Quality Index
59
Moderate
PM2.5
Fine particulate matter
8.8µg/m³
Low
PM10
Coarse particulate matter
9.3µg/m³
Low
NO₂
Nitrogen dioxide
9µg/m³
Low
O₃
Ozone
77µg/m³
Moderate
UV index
Sun exposure level
0
Low
Temperature
Air temperature
23°C
Comfortable
Feels like
Apparent temperature
26°C
Warm
Wind
Wind speed
9km/h
Light
Humidity
Relative humidity
86%
Very humid
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Disclaimer
This information is a general estimate only and is not medical advice.
Location
Columbus, United States
Coordinates: 39.9612, -82.9988 · America/New_York
Interpret AQI for outdoor activity
Calculic's European AQI calculator assesses the value using your population group and planned activity intensity.
Interpret AQI in CalculicThis page's European AQI value, city and timestamp are passed to the calculator through the link.
What affects air quality in Columbus
MORPC's Franklin County neighborhood program combines sensor data with a model that distinguishes background, area, traffic, point and uncategorized sources of particle pollution.
These are the project's modeling categories, not a measured source ranking, proof of an individual source's contribution or a current citywide reading.
Local monitoring and context
MORPC distinguishes Ohio EPA's regulatory monitors used for regional forecasting from its complementary Franklin County neighborhood monitoring; the CLEAN program uses PurpleAir sensors to monitor PM2.5.
The neighborhood sensors are supplementary low-cost instruments, not regulatory reference monitors or the provider of this page's current data.
City air quality FAQ
How should I read the AQI for Columbus?
US AQI condenses air quality into one value. On this page, it helps you quickly judge whether conditions look good, moderate or more polluted than usual.
Is the air quality good for going outside?
Check the outdoor and running cards first. They combine AQI, particles, ozone, weather and other factors that can affect outdoor comfort.
Should I ventilate right now?
The ventilation card considers AQI and pollutants such as particles, nitrogen dioxide and ozone. If values are elevated, a shorter opening or a later moment may be better.
Why can air quality change during the day?
Weather, emissions, ozone formation, particles and air flow can shift local conditions, so the next hours can differ from the current reading.
Sources and methodology
Current data
This page uses US AQI.
Current and hourly air-quality values are CAMS-based model estimates, not measurements from a local monitoring station. They may not reflect street-level conditions.
- Displayed state
- This hour's model estimate
- Data time
- 5 Sept 2026, 09:00 pm
- Data source
- Open-Meteo
The latest update is older than expected, so this page is showing an estimate for the current hour.
Detailed metrics and guidance use the latest available detailed data.
Evergreen city statements
Each local statement is linked to a checked primary-authority source. A source check is editorial provenance and does not describe current-data freshness.
Local sources support the background claims below; they are not the source of the current data shown above unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Authoritative sources for local statements
Neighborhood Air Quality Monitoring Program
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
- Scope
- Franklin County
- Source checked
- 31 Aug 2026
The current CLEAN program page identifies the Franklin County partnership, PurpleAir PM2.5 sensors, and source categories used by the Shair model.
Applicability: Official local or regional background only; not current conditions, citywide uniformity, regulatory attainment or this site's current-data provenance.
Based on this source: MORPC's Franklin County neighborhood program combines sensor data with a model that distinguishes background, area, traffic, point and uncategorized sources of particle pollution.
MORPC distinguishes Ohio EPA's regulatory monitors used for regional forecasting from its complementary Franklin County neighborhood monitoring; the CLEAN program uses PurpleAir sensors to monitor PM2.5.
MORPC Awarded $500,000 Grant By U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Expand Local Air Quality Monitoring
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
- Scope
- Franklin County
- Source checked
- 31 Aug 2026
The December 13, 2022 announcement explicitly distinguishes Ohio EPA regulatory monitors used for regional forecasts from complementary neighborhood sensor tools in Franklin County.
Applicability: Official local or regional background only; not current conditions, citywide uniformity, regulatory attainment or this site's current-data provenance.
Based on this source: MORPC distinguishes Ohio EPA's regulatory monitors used for regional forecasting from its complementary Franklin County neighborhood monitoring; the CLEAN program uses PurpleAir sensors to monitor PM2.5.