Sarajevo Air Extremely Polluted, Avoid Going Outside Unless Necessary

(Patria) - Based on today's measurements by the Sarajevo Canton Public Health Institute and hourly values until 12:00 PM, conducted at automatic reference air quality monitoring stations in the Sarajevo Canton, the Air Quality Index indicates polluted to extremely polluted air quality conditions, depending on the measurement location.

Polluted air quality has been recorded at the Vijećnica, Bjelave, Ilijaš, and Hadžići measurement locations, while very polluted air quality has been recorded at the Ilidža location. Extremely polluted air quality has been recorded at the Saraj Polje, Otoka, and Vogošća measurement stations.

Stable weather conditions and pronounced temperature inversion, present in previous days as well, have contributed to the retention and gradual increase of pollutant concentrations in the air.

Since 01/16/2026, Alert episodes for Zone A, and Warning episodes for Zones B and C have been in effect. In addition to PM10 and PM2.5 pollutants, exceeding daily limit values for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has also been recorded at the Otoka and Bjelave measurement stations, while other pollutants did not record significant exceedances during the previous day.

A slight increase in average PM10 concentrations has been observed today, with the possibility of approaching the Alert episode threshold values, while NO2 concentrations at the Otoka location continue to indicate a risk of exceeding limit values again.

The synoptic situation indicates a continuation of stable meteorological conditions in the coming days, with no precipitation and weak easterly and southeasterly winds, which does not allow for effective ventilation of the Sarajevo valley.

Temperature inversion is pronounced and persistent, especially during night and morning hours, with frequent fog and retention of cold air in the ground layer.
Based on the above, no significant improvement in air quality is expected in the coming days, and there will be no significant improvement in air quality, as indicated by both meteorological conditions and the measured concentrations, which remain extremely high.

Health Recommendations:

In order to protect health, recommendations for the sensitive population group (children, pregnant women, elderly, and chronically ill) as well as for the rest of the population are to avoid spending time outdoors and to stay indoors with minimal ventilation.

If going out is necessary, wearing masks with FFP2, FFP3 protective respiratory filters is recommended. Masks are intended for short-term wear only and do not provide complete protection from air pollutants.