Bakersfield Current AQI: 120 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) - Air Quality Today
Live 2026 air quality data for the Bakersfield area
Last updated: 2/25/2026, 9:38:49 AM
Today's Recommendation
Consider limiting prolonged outdoor activities. Sensitive groups should take breaks and watch for symptoms.
Today's Air Quality: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.
General Public
- • Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion
- • Take more breaks during outdoor activities
- • Watch for symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath
Sensitive Groups
Children, elderly, pregnant women, people with heart/lung conditions
- • Reduce prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion
- • Keep rescue medications close at hand
- • Consider rescheduling outdoor activities
- • Monitor symptoms closely
Health Advisory
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
5-Day Air Quality Forecast
Bakersfield, CA
Compare Air Quality: Bakersfield vs. Nearby Cities
See how Bakersfield's air quality compares to other cities in California
BakersfieldCurrent Location
Bakersfield
Los Angeles
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana
San Francisco
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont
San Diego
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos
San Jose
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara
Fresno
Fresno
Sacramento
Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville
Riverside
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario
Oakland
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont
Air Quality Trends in Bakersfield
Understanding historical patterns helps you plan outdoor activities and protect your health
Air quality is typically best between 6 AM - 10 AM
Ozone levels peak between 2 PM - 6 PM on sunny days
Highest pollution typically occurs in summer months
Seasonal Patterns
Planning Tips
- • Check the 5-day forecast before planning outdoor events
- • Schedule strenuous activities for morning hours when air is clearest
- • Monitor AQI during wildfire season (typically July-October)
- • Consider indoor alternatives when AQI exceeds 100
Current Conditions
Fine Particulate Matter
Understanding the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is the EPA's standardized system for reporting daily air quality. It tells you how clean or polluted your air is, and what associated health effects might be a concern.
How the AQI Works
- •Scale: The AQI ranges from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and health concern.
- •Six Categories: AQI values are divided into six categories, each corresponding to a different level of health concern with its own color code.
- •Main Pollutants: The AQI focuses on five major air pollutants: ground-level ozone, particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.
AQI Categories & Health Impact
Good
Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
None
Moderate
Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Unhealthy
Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
Very Unhealthy
Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.
Hazardous
Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.
Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bakersfield Air Quality
What is the current air quality in Bakersfield?
The current Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bakersfield, CA is 120, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
Is it safe to exercise outside in Bakersfield today?
With caution. The AQI of 120 means sensitive groups should reduce prolonged outdoor exertion. The general public can still exercise outdoors but should monitor for symptoms.
What causes poor air quality in Bakersfield?
Air quality in Bakersfield can be affected by vehicle emissions, industrial activity, weather patterns (like temperature inversions), and seasonal factors such as wildfires or high pollen counts. The dominant pollutant today is Fine Particulate Matter.
When is the best time of day for outdoor activities in Bakersfield?
Generally, early morning (6 AM - 10 AM) has the best air quality in Bakersfield. Ozone levels typically peak in the afternoon (2 PM - 6 PM), especially on hot, sunny days. Plan strenuous outdoor activities for morning hours when possible.
Should I use an air purifier in Bakersfield?
An air purifier with a HEPA filter is recommended for sensitive individuals, especially in bedrooms and main living areas.
About Air Quality in Bakersfield
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Bakersfield, California is currently 120, which is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. The dominant pollutant today is Fine Particulate Matter.
Who Should Be Concerned?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to air pollution and should take extra precautions:
- People with asthma or respiratory conditions - Air pollutants can trigger asthma attacks and worsen COPD symptoms
- Children and older adults - Developing and aging lungs are more susceptible to air pollution damage
- People who work or exercise outdoors - Greater exposure due to increased breathing rate and time outside
- Anyone with heart disease - Air pollution can increase risk of heart attacks and strokes
- Pregnant women - Air pollution exposure may affect fetal development
How to Protect Yourself
Take these steps to minimize your exposure to air pollution in Bakersfield:
- Check the AQI daily - Make it part of your morning routine, just like checking the weather
- Limit outdoor exercise when AQI is unhealthy - Choose indoor activities on high pollution days
- Time your activities wisely - Exercise early morning when air quality is typically best
- Keep indoor air clean - Close windows during high pollution, use AC with clean filters
- Use air purifiers - HEPA filters effectively remove PM2.5 particles indoors
- Wear proper masks - N95 or KN95 masks can filter harmful particles during very poor air quality
- Stay hydrated - Helps your body process and eliminate pollutants
Common Pollutants Monitored in Bakersfield
The AQI tracks several key pollutants that can affect your health:
- PM2.5 (PM2.5): Tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometers that can penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream.
- PM10 (PM10): Particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers, including dust, pollen, and mold.
- Ozone (O3): A harmful gas created by chemical reactions between pollutants in sunlight.
- NO2 (NO2): A reddish-brown gas from burning fuel, can irritate airways.
- CO (CO): A colorless, odorless gas from incomplete combustion.
- SO2 (SO2): A gas from burning fossil fuels, can affect breathing.
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Protect Your Indoor Air
With current AQI at 120, consider using a HEPA air purifier indoors.
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