Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
Children, elderly, and those with respiratory or heart conditions should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
AQI ALERT LEVELS
Know before the air turns unhealthy.
The Air Quality Index runs from 0 to 500. StormCast alerts you once it crosses into unhealthy territory.
Unhealthy
Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Limit outdoor activities, especially extended time outside.
Very Unhealthy
Health alert — everyone should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion and sensitive groups should stay indoors.
Hazardous
Emergency condition. Everyone should avoid all outdoor activity. This level often occurs during severe wildfire smoke events.
How It Works
1
Checked Every 3 Hours
StormCast queries the Open-Meteo Air Quality API for the current US AQI at your GPS coordinates. Air quality can change quickly, especially during wildfire events.
2
Threshold at AQI 101
When the AQI crosses 101 (the boundary between Moderate and Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups), StormCast sends a push notification with the current level and category.
3
4-Hour Cooldown
You'll receive at most one AQI alert per 4-hour window so you're informed without being spammed during extended poor air quality events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What AQI level triggers an alert?
StormCast alerts at AQI 101 and above — covering Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous categories. Below 101 is considered acceptable for most people.
Where does the AQI data come from?
StormCast uses the Open-Meteo Air Quality API, which combines CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) atmospheric data to estimate local US AQI values. It covers the entire continental US and is updated throughout the day.
Who benefits most from AQI alerts?
Anyone with asthma, COPD, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions. Also the elderly, children, and outdoor workers. Wildfire smoke events in particular can drive AQI into dangerous territory with little warning.
Will I get spammed during a multi-day smoke event?
No. There's a built-in 4-hour cooldown between AQI alerts. You'll be notified when conditions first become unhealthy, and periodically if they persist, but not every check cycle.
Does StormCast also cover UV index alerts?
Yes. StormCast sends a morning UV alert when the day's UV index is forecast to reach High (6) or above — useful for planning outdoor activities and sun protection.