Lower Hunter map

Live data feeds of current wind speed, wind direction and air quality. Follow the air quality category colours and use the activity guide to protect your health.

Updates

Air quality across New South Wales may be affected by hazard reduction burning. See Fires Near Me and follow the recommended health advice.
News: The NSW Government is developing a dedicated air quality website, that presents air quality data and information that is fit-for-purpose, easy-to-understand and works well on desktop and mobile devices.
We invite you to try our first release or find out more.
Live data is always reported in Standard Time (AEST).

Click on the wind rose and select the graph icon to view the chart for the last 7 days.

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Explanation of the wind rose diagram

Wind rose diagram - Stockton

The map above shows hourly average data for all parameters, i.e., PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO₂, SO₂, NH₃, wind speed and wind direction values. All readings are updated hourly. Note that the map shows hourly averages for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5, and not rolling 24-hour averages as was the case prior to February 2020.

The hourly values for pollutants are categorised into the following air quality ratings:

			Air quality categories (AQC)
Air pollutant	Averaging period	Units	GOOD	FAIR	POOR	VERY POOR	EXTREMELY POOR
Nitrogen dioxide NO₂	1-hour	pphm	<8	8–12	12–18	18–24	24 and above
Sulfur dioxide SO₂	1-hour	pphm	<13.3	13.3–20.0	20.0–30.0	30.0–40.0	40.0 and above
Particulate matter < 10 µm PM₁₀	1-hour	µg/m³	<50	50–100	100–200	200–600	600 and above
Particulate matter < 2.5 µm PM_2.5	1-hour	µg/m³	<25	25–50	50–100	100–300	300 and above

These air quality categories are based on the (NEPM) standards for NO₂ and SO₂, the interim web reporting threshold values for hourly PM₁₀ and PM_2.5.

This information is also available by calling the NSW EES Environment Line: 131 555 (local call cost throughout NSW) or (02) 9995 5555 (if calling from outside NSW).

Disclaimer: The data used in the compilation of this page have undergone only preliminary quality assurance checks. These data may require modification during final stages of validation as a result of calibration changes, power failures, instrument failures etc.

Alerts - none currently

Activity guide

The activity guide below has been derived by categorising air quality into colour indicators, based on threshold values for air pollutants’ concentrations and visibility data. Go with the colours and follow the recommended actions to protect your health.

Air quality category	General health advice and recommended actions
Air quality category	Sensitive groups including: people with a heart or lung condition, including asthma people over the age of 65 infants and children pregnant women	Everyone else
Good	NO CHANGE needed to your normal outdoor activities.	NO CHANGE needed to your normal outdoor activities.
Fair	REDUCE outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. Consider closing windows and doors until outdoor air quality is better. Follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor. In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.	NO CHANGE needed to your normal outdoor activities.
Poor	AVOID outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. When indoors, close windows and doors until outdoor air quality is better. Follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor. In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.	REDUCE outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath.
Very poor	STAY INDOORS as much as possible with windows and doors closed until outdoor air quality is better. If you feel that the air in your home is uncomfortable, consider going to a place with cleaner air (such as an air-conditioned building like a library or shopping centre) if it is safe to do so. Actively monitor symptoms and follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor. In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.	AVOID outdoor physical activity if you develop symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. When indoors, close windows and doors until outdoor air quality is better. If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor. In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
Extremely poor	STAY INDOORS with windows and doors closed until outdoor air quality is better and reduce indoor activity. If you feel that the air in your home is uncomfortable, consider going to a place with cleaner air (such as an air-conditioned building like a library or shopping centre) if it is safe to do so. Actively monitor symptoms and follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor. If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor. In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.	STAY INDOORS as much as possible with windows and doors closed until outdoor air quality is better. If you feel that the air in your home is uncomfortable, consider going to a place with cleaner air (such as an air-conditioned building like a library or shopping centre) if it is safe to do so. If you are concerned about symptoms call the 24-hour HealthDirect helpline on 1800 022 222 or see your doctor. In a health emergency, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Steps to reduce risk from bushfire smoke

When it’s smoky, everyone should:

Follow your doctor’s advice about medicines and your asthma management plan if you have one. Keep your medication close at hand. Consult your doctor if symptoms worsen.
Reduce or avoid vigorous outdoor activity see activity guide below.
Spend more time indoors. Keep doors and windows shut to keep the smoke out. Open windows and doors whenever the smoke clears.
Spend time in air conditioned venues like cinemas, libraries and shopping centres.
Avoid indoor sources of air pollution like cigarettes, candles and incense sticks.

If your child has diagnosed asthma:

Have an up to date Asthma Action Plan. Seek review with your child’s GP to assess their current asthma management.
Check your child’s reliever medication and spacer is up-to-date and accessible by a responsible adult.
Provide written asthma first aid instructions, completed by your child’s GP, to their preschool, childcare centre or school.
Visit the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network’s Aiming for Asthma Improvement in Children website which includes a Good asthma control checklist.
Free asthma helpline: If you need information specific to people with asthma, visit the Asthma Australia website to access their free helpline.

Information for sensitive groups

Some people may be more sensitive to air pollution. Sensitive groups include people with lung disease or heart disease, children, older adults, pregnant women.

If you need information specific to people with asthma, visit the Asthma Australia website to access their free helpline.

Anyone with persistent symptoms should seek medical advice or call Health Direct Australia on 1800 022 222

Bushfire health advice

Bushfire smoke can affect people's health and it is important for everyone to reduce exposure.

Visit Health NSW - Bushfire to find out about:

protecting yourself from bushfire smoke
returning home safely
medications and prescriptions
support services
illness and injury from bushfire
information for child care centres and parents
advice for general practitioners

See Understanding Air Quality Data to learn about air quality information, what air quality categories are, how they are calculated and how you should use them to protect your health.

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Anyone with persistent symptoms should seek medical advice or call Health Direct Australia on 1800 022 222.

Information

View the data licence statement for information about using and attributing these data.