Air Quality Alert: Albuquerque, NM Reaches Very Unhealthy Levels (AQI 221)
On February 20, 2026, air quality in Albuquerque, NM reached a 'Very Unhealthy' level with an AQI of 221, primarily driven by PM10 concentrations.
Current Air Quality
On February 20, 2026, the air quality in the Albuquerque, NM reporting area reached a category of Very Unhealthy. The primary pollutant of concern is PM10, which recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 221.
Additional pollutant readings for the area include:
- PM2.5: 62 (Moderate)
- O3 (Ozone): 42 (Good)
What This Means
An AQI value of 221 is classified by the EPA as ‘Very Unhealthy.’ This level represents a health alert, indicating that the risk of health effects is increased for everyone, not just sensitive groups.
Who Should Take Precautions
While the entire population may experience health effects at this level, the following groups are at significantly higher risk:
- People with heart or lung disease
- Older adults
- Children and teenagers
What You Should Do
To minimize exposure and protect your health, the following actions are recommended:
- Everyone: Avoid all physical activity outdoors.
- Sensitive groups: Remain indoors and keep activity levels low. If you must go outside, keep your trip short and avoid strenuous activities.
Source
This data is provided by the EPA AirNow service.
Source: EPA Official Notice
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