Dallas–Fort Worth, TX Air Quality & Smog

Dominant pollutants, when smog is worst, notable historical episodes, and local agency resources for Dallas–Fort Worth, TX — plus how to check the current AQI. For real-time readings, the free Smog Report iOS app pulls live air quality from EPA AirNow.

Dominant pollutants

ozone (summer), PM2.5 (occasional Saharan dust + wildfire smoke transport).

Seasonal pattern: when smog is worst

DFW has chronic summer ozone — the metro has been in EPA ozone nonattainment since the 1991 designation. Hot, stagnant summer days regularly push the 8-hour ozone above 70 ppb. Cement-plant emissions in Midlothian and natural-gas operations in the Barnett Shale contribute.

A recent or notable event

Multiple summers in the 2010s and 2020s saw DFW classified as "Severe" ozone nonattainment. Saharan dust intrusions in June-July occasionally push PM2.5 to USG levels.

Local agencies and resources

TCEQ runs the regulatory monitors. NCTCOG coordinates the regional air-quality plan.

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
• North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG)

How to check air quality in Dallas–Fort Worth

The EPA's AirNow.gov publishes the canonical reading from the nearest regulatory monitor. For glanceable iPhone access — including widgets, Live Activities, Siri voice queries, and Apple Watch — install Smog Report. It's free, requires no account, and pulls from the same AirNow API.

For Dallas–Fort Worth-specific advisories and alerts that go beyond the federal AirNow feed, check the agency pages above directly.

Common questions about Dallas–Fort Worth air quality

Why does Dallas–Fort Worth have air-quality and smog problems?

DFW has chronic summer ozone — the metro has been in EPA ozone nonattainment since the 1991 designation. Hot, stagnant summer days regularly push the 8-hour ozone above 70 ppb. Cement-plant emissions in Midlothian and natural-gas operations in the Barnett Shale contribute.

What are the main air pollutants in Dallas–Fort Worth?

Dallas–Fort Worth's dominant pollutants are ozone (summer), PM2.5 (occasional Saharan dust + wildfire smoke transport). The AQI on any given day is usually driven by whichever of these is highest.

Has Dallas–Fort Worth had a major air-quality or smog event?

Multiple summers in the 2010s and 2020s saw DFW classified as "Severe" ozone nonattainment. Saharan dust intrusions in June-July occasionally push PM2.5 to USG levels.

How can I check Dallas–Fort Worth's air quality right now?

The EPA's AirNow.gov publishes the official reading from the nearest regulatory monitor. For live AQI on your iPhone — with home-screen widgets, Lock Screen Live Activities, Siri, and Apple Watch — the free Smog Report app pulls from the same AirNow feed. No account is required.

Related