News story

Air quality update: 19 March 2015

An update on UK air pollution

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

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UPDATE 20 MARCH: The forecast is improving - levels are expected to fall with moderate or low levels predicted for most of the UK later today, and clearing tomorrow. For the latest forecasts and health advice please visit Defra’s UK Air website

High air pollution is currently (19 March 2015) being measured across a number of regions in England and Wales. This is due to pollution brought in via winds from the continent and particulate matter from a combination of local sources.

Levels are expected to fall later today with moderate or low levels predicted tomorrow as changes in weather conditions lead to the dispersal of pollutants. Levels in London and the South East are already down to moderate and are expected to be reporting lows by tomorrow.

Further information on health advice can be found here.

Forecasts, latest measurements and health advice are available on Defra’s UK Air website and via the freephone helpline on 0800 556677. Updates on current and forecast levels of air pollution can also be found on Twitter at @DefraUKAir.

Published 19 March 2015
Last updated 20 March 2015 + show all updates
  1. Update 20 March 2015

  2. First published.