Sue Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Sue, a district within Fukuoka City, Japan, occupies a relatively flat coastal plain in the northwest of the prefecture. Fukuoka City itself is situated on the northern shore of Hakata Bay, an inlet of the Genkai Sea. The surrounding landscape is a mix of urban development, agricultural land – particularly rice paddies – and low hills rising to the east and west. The city’s elevation is generally low, averaging around 30 meters above sea level, contributing to potential temperature inversions. Fukuoka is a major economic and transportation hub for Kyushu Island, with a significant concentration of industry and commercial activity. This concentration, coupled with the city’s position in a basin, can trap pollutants. The urban-rural gradient is fairly steep, transitioning quickly from dense cityscapes to agricultural areas and forested hills. Proximity to the sea provides some dispersion, but prevailing wind patterns can also funnel pollutants inland. The Naka River flows through Fukuoka, offering limited natural air purification, but also acting as a conduit for potential localised pollution from urban runoff. The city’s geography, therefore, presents both opportunities and challenges for maintaining good air quality, requiring careful urban planning and pollution control measures.

Fukuoka experiences a humid subtropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons influencing air quality. Spring (March-May) sees increasing temperatures and occasional dust storms from the Asian continent, impacting particulate matter levels. The plum rain season (Tsuyu) in June brings frequent rainfall, effectively scrubbing the air and resulting in generally good air quality. However, high humidity can foster mold growth, impacting indoor air. Summer (July-August) is hot and humid, with stagnant air conditions and increased photochemical smog formation due to intense sunlight and vehicle emissions. August, particularly, can see elevated ozone levels. Autumn (September-November) offers the most favourable air quality, with cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and a prevailing wind direction that helps disperse pollutants. Typhoons, however, can stir up dust and debris. Winter (December-February) is relatively dry and cold, with increased use of heating systems contributing to particulate matter pollution. Temperature inversions are common, trapping pollutants near the ground. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor activity during summer afternoons and winter mornings. Monitoring pollen levels is also crucial during spring.