Bakersfield, CA Air Quality Today
Sunday, September 20, 2026 · Data: WeatherAPI • EPA
Air quality in Bakersfield is Moderate today, September 20. Ozone is the main driver at 126 µg/m³, and ozone climbs through hot afternoons before easing near sunset. Most people can carry on as usual, though anyone sensitive to ozone or smoke should get long outdoor efforts done in the morning.
Level 2 of 6 on the EPA scale
What's in Bakersfield's Air Right Now
PM2.5 (fine particles): 25 µg/m³. Readings between 12 and 35 µg/m³ rate Moderate. Sensitive lungs may notice on longer outings. These particles come from exhaust and smoke and are small enough to reach deep into your lungs.
PM10 (coarse dust): 71 µg/m³. Readings between 54 and 154 µg/m³ rate Moderate, usually from wind stirring up dust. Dust and pollen fragments ride in this size range and irritate your nose and throat.
Ozone: 126 µg/m³. Ozone forms when sunlight cooks car exhaust, so hot afternoons read worst, usually between 2 PM and 7 PM. Mornings stay cleanest.
Nitrogen dioxide: 1.2 µg/m³. NO2 comes almost entirely from traffic and feeds afternoon ozone. Readings run highest near busy roads during the morning and evening commutes.
Is It Safe to Go Outside in Bakersfield Today?
Yes, for most people. Healthy adults and kids can keep their normal routine on a Moderate day in Bakersfield.
If ozone or smoke usually bothers you, plan harder outdoor effort for the morning, before ozone builds. Asthma? Carry your rescue inhaler.
Air Quality This Week in Bakersfield
Air quality in Bakersfield looks worst Thursday, when the daily average reaches Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.
Each row is that day's average. Single hours run higher or lower, and the reading at the top of this page is a current measurement rather than an average.
Air Quality and Pollen Are Two Different Numbers
The air quality index tracks pollution: ozone, dust, smoke, and exhaust. Pollen isn't part of the score, so a Good air day in Bakersfield can still be a rough allergy day.
Right now the biggest pollen load in Bakersfield is weed pollen, rated High. If your eyes itch while the air reads clean, pollen is the likely culprit.
Check today's Bakersfield, CA pollen count →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AQI in Bakersfield right now?
Today's air in Bakersfield is rated Moderate, level 2 of 6 on the EPA scale. That's the second of six categories. The air is acceptable for almost everyone, with a light caution for people unusually sensitive to ozone or smoke. The reading updates daily, so check back before you head out.
Is it safe to exercise outside in Bakersfield today?
Yes, for most people. Morning is the better window, since ozone peaks between 2 PM and 7 PM. Anyone with asthma should carry a rescue inhaler.
What will the air quality be tomorrow in Bakersfield?
Tomorrow in Bakersfield the forecast averages Moderate, level 2 of 6 on the EPA scale, with fine particles (PM2.5) near 21 µg/m³. That figure is a daily average, so a few hours can run higher or lower than the number here.
Does Bakersfield have an air quality alert today?
Official alerts come from AirNow.gov and your state air agency, and MyPollenPal doesn't track them directly. Today's EPA category in Bakersfield is Moderate. Days rated Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse usually line up with an official alert.
Sources
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency / AirNow. "AQI Basics." airnow.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Particulate Matter (PM) Basics." epa.gov
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Ground-level Ozone Basics." epa.gov
Air Quality Is Half the Picture
Pollen fills in the rest. See today's tree, grass, and weed levels for Bakersfield, or sign up for a morning email on days when pollen runs High or Very High.