Austin Air Quality: What to Know About ‘Unhealthy’ Conditions

Austin residents may have received air quality alerts on their phones this morning – and for good reason. Multiple sources, including the Apple Weather app, AccuWeather, and IQAir, have indicated that the air quality in Austin is “unhealthy for sensitive groups” on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation and what it means for your health.

Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)

Air quality is measured using the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Air Quality Index (AQI), which ranges from 0 to 300+. The index is based on the concentration of five major air pollutants regulated by the Clean Air Act: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (particulate matter), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The AQI categories are as follows:

• Good: Little to no risk to public health.
• Moderate: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some individuals, there may be a moderate health concern.
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.
• Unhealthy: Everyone may begin to experience health effects.
• Very Unhealthy: Health alerts signify emergency conditions.
• Hazardous: Indicates severe health risks.

Current Conditions in Austin

As of February 19, 2026, the AQI in Austin is 79, categorized as Moderate according to IQAir. The main pollutant of concern is PM2.5, with a concentration of 24.4 µg/m³. Kyle, a nearby location, also reports a Moderate AQI with PM2.5 as the primary pollutant.

AccuWeather identifies PM2.5 as “fine particulate matter” – pollutant particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These particles are inhalable and can enter the lungs and bloodstream.

Health Impacts of PM2.5

Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to a range of health problems, including coughing, difficulty breathing, aggravated asthma, and the development of chronic respiratory disease. According to experts at McGill University in Canada, PM2.5 is the most deadly type of air pollution globally. IQAir notes that experts are calling for worldwide air quality standards to prevent deaths caused by PM2.5 inhalation.

Austin’s Long-Term Air Quality

The American Lung Association has identified Austin as a high-risk area for ozone pollution. A 2025 study gave Travis County a failing grade for the number of high ozone days and for average annual particle pollution. While Travis County received a “B” grade for 24-hour particle pollution, the overall grade for annual particle pollution was an “F”. The American Lung Association’s methodology differs from the EPA’s AQI.

Tips for Unhealthy Air Quality Days

IQAir recommends the following steps when air quality is unhealthy:

• Follow health recommendations to lower your risk of exposure.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Pay attention to information for sensitive groups with asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Looking Ahead

The air quality forecast for Austin indicates that conditions will remain moderate throughout the day, with a slight improvement expected later in the evening. Continued monitoring of air quality reports is recommended, especially for individuals sensitive to air pollution.