Aleppo Air Quality Index (AQI)

Loading live AQI data...

Loading historical AQI trends...

Aleppo, Syria's largest city, occupies a strategic position in northwestern Syria at approximately 380 meters above sea level on a plateau between the Mediterranean coast and the Euphrates River basin. This ancient city's geography profoundly influences its air quality through multiple mechanisms. Situated in a semi-arid region, Aleppo lies within a basin surrounded by low mountains to the west and open plains to the east, creating a topographic bowl that traps pollutants under stable atmospheric conditions. The city's urban character reflects its historical role as a major trading hub, with dense urban cores transitioning to sprawling suburbs and industrial zones, particularly along transportation corridors connecting to Turkey and other Syrian regions. Aleppo's location away from major water bodies—approximately 100 kilometers inland from the Mediterranean—means it lacks the moderating coastal breezes that might disperse pollution, while its position in an agricultural belt contributes seasonal dust from surrounding farmlands. The urban-rural gradient shows decreasing pollution levels moving outward from industrial areas concentrated in the city's southern and eastern sectors, but conflict-related destruction has created additional particulate sources throughout the urban fabric. This geographic setting, combined with the city's elevation and basin-like terrain, creates conditions where pollutants from vehicles, industry, heating, and conflict debris accumulate with limited natural ventilation, making Aleppo particularly vulnerable to persistent air quality challenges.

Aleppo's air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by its cold semi-arid climate and pollution sources. During winter months from November through February, pollution peaks dramatically due to multiple converging factors: residential heating with often low-quality fuels creates substantial particulate emissions, while temperature inversions become frequent as cold air settles in the city's topographic basin, trapping pollutants near the surface. These months also experience reduced wind speeds and occasional fog, further inhibiting dispersion. Sensitive groups should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during this period, particularly on calm, cold mornings when inversion layers are strongest. Spring brings some relief as temperatures rise and winds increase, though March and April can see dust storms from surrounding arid lands that temporarily spike particulate levels. Summer months from June through August experience improved dispersion due to stronger thermal convection and occasional breezes, but extreme heat can accelerate photochemical reactions that create secondary pollutants, while conflict-related dust may resuspend in dry conditions. Autumn sees a gradual return to deteriorating conditions as temperatures drop and atmospheric stability increases, with October often marking the transition toward winter pollution peaks. For those planning outdoor activities, late spring through early autumn generally offers better air quality windows, though dust events remain unpredictable. Year-round, vulnerable populations should monitor local conditions and limit exposure during peak traffic hours and visible haze episodes.