Clime
← Back to Blog
Tips

Monitoring Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality on Your iPhone

June 18, 2026 · The Clime Team
Monitoring Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality on Your iPhone

Wildfires can significantly degrade air quality, posing health risks even miles away from the fire's location. Monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) on your iPhone is an effective way to stay informed and protect yourself.

What Is the Air Quality Index (AQI)?

The AQI is a numerical scale ranging from 0 to 500 that measures the concentration of pollutants in the air, such as ozone, particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Higher AQI values indicate poorer air quality and greater health risks. For instance, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered "Good," while an AQI between 301 and 500 is "Hazardous."

How to Check AQI Using the Weather App

Your iPhone's built-in Weather app provides AQI information for your current location and other areas:

  1. Open the Weather App: Launch the Weather app on your iPhone.
  2. Select a Location: Choose your current location or add a new city by tapping the plus icon.
  3. View AQI Information: Scroll down to see the AQI displayed below the weather details.

If the AQI is unhealthy, the app will display a warning, such as "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." (idownloadblog.com)

Using Apple Maps to Check AQI

Apple Maps also offers AQI information:

  1. Open Apple Maps: Launch the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. Center on Your Location: Tap the location arrow to center the map on your current position.
  3. View AQI: In the bottom-right corner, you'll see the current temperature and AQI for your area.

If AQI data isn't displayed, ensure it's enabled in your settings:

  1. Go to Settings: Open the Settings app.
  2. Select Maps: Scroll down and tap on Maps.
  3. Enable Air Quality Index: Under the "Climate" section, toggle on "Air Quality Index." (howtogeek.com)

Third-Party Apps for Detailed AQI Information

For more comprehensive AQI data, consider using third-party apps:

  • Smog Report: Provides real-time AQI readings, forecasts, and detailed pollutant breakdowns. (apps.apple.com)

  • Air Lookout: Offers AQI information, historical data, and supports widgets for quick access. (apps.apple.com)

  • EPA AirNow: Delivers current and forecast AQI data, including wildfire smoke information. (airnow.gov)

Setting Up AQI Notifications

To receive alerts about AQI changes:

  1. Open the Weather App: Launch the app on your iPhone.
  2. Select a Location: Choose the location for which you want notifications.
  3. Tap the Three Dots: In the bottom-right corner, tap the three-dot icon.
  4. Enable Notifications: Tap "Notifications" and toggle on "Air Quality Alerts."

This ensures you're notified when AQI levels reach thresholds that may affect your health.

Understanding AQI Levels

Familiarize yourself with AQI categories to interpret the data effectively:

  • 0 to 50 (Good): Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
  • 51 to 100 (Moderate): Air quality is acceptable; however, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people sensitive to air pollution.
  • 101 to 150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects; the general public is less likely to be affected.
  • 151 to 200 (Unhealthy): Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
  • 201 to 300 (Very Unhealthy): Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.
  • 301 to 500 (Hazardous): Health warning of emergency conditions; the entire population is more likely to be affected.

Conclusion

Monitoring AQI levels on your iPhone is a proactive step in safeguarding your health during wildfire events. By utilizing built-in features and third-party apps, you can stay informed and make decisions to minimize exposure to harmful air pollutants.

Highlights:

Frequently Asked Questions