No recent searches
Air Quality Near Me
Live City Ranking
Live Map
Historical Data
API
Measure Air Quality
Improve Air Quality
Community Air Monitoring
Air Quality News
Climate
Community
Featured Contributor
Health and Wellness
Resources
Wildfire
Climate Justice
Environmental Justice
Schools4Earth
ESG Initiatives
IQAir Foundation
Warranty Registration
Knowledge Base
Product Support
User Guide Videos
Contact Support
Air Purifiers
Air Quality Monitors
Face Masks
Replacement Filters
Accessories
App & Dashboard
For Business
Copied to clipboard!
February 14, 2026: Jerusalem among the most polluted cities in the world
IQAir Staff Writers
https://www.iqair.com/newsroom
As of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM PT, Jerusalem, Israel is experiencing exceptionally poor air quality, with the Air Quality Index levels above 500, making it the most polluted major city globally today.
PM2.5 concentrations are extremely high, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s annual guideline, creating thick haze and very unhealthy conditions for residents.
Such hazardous air quality can impair lung function and elevate health risks even for healthy individuals, let alone children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Air quality conditions can change rapidly throughout the day. For a complete, real-time view of current pollution levels, see Jerusalem’s air quality map.
While air quality today is exceptionally poor, with PM2.5 levels reaching 93 times the WHO annual guideline, long-term data suggest this is not the norm. In 2024, Jerusalem recorded an average PM2.5 concentration of 15 µg/m³, equivalent to an AQI of 56, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. Although this remains three times above the WHO annual guideline, it indicates that pollution levels are generally far lower than today’s extreme episode.
Jerusalem, Israel, ranked as the most polluted major city as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Jerusalem’s temporary air quality spike is forecast to improve significantly by late night, falling back into the moderate range as dust and sand concentrations ease and traffic levels decline.
Hourly air quality forecast for Jerusalem, Israel, as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Jerusalem, Israel, as of February 14, 2026, at 1:30 AM (PT). Source: IQAir.
Jerusalem’s current severe pollution spike is driven by several overlapping factors. A significant contributor is long-range dust transport from surrounding desert regions carried by southwesterly winds, which lifts and deposits fine dust particles into the urban atmosphere (1).
Urban emissions from heavy traffic, including diesel vehicles, add nitrogen oxides and fine particulates to the mix. Industrial emissions and domestic combustion further elevate pollution levels. In combination with stagnant atmospheric conditions and minimal rainfall, these sources lead to the accumulation of dense smog in the city.
[1] Israel National News. (2026, February 13). Very high air pollution expected across the country.
Copied to clipboard!
Receive the latest releases and tips, exclusive articles, in your inbox every week.
Read about our privacy policy
Sign up below to join the clean air community and receive the latest air quality news and science to help improve the air around you.