Current Trends and Topics on Air Quality in Memphis (2025 Update)

By Weather and Climate Expert John Bryant

Introduction

Memphis, Tennessee – the urban center of Shelby County – is facing renewed scrutiny over its air quality. As of June 2025, a combination of persistent ozone pollution, episodic particle pollution, and emerging local emission sources has raised public health concerns. Memphis now ranks among the most challenging U.S. cities for respiratory health (dubbed the nation’s “Asthma Capital” in a recent analysis), underscoring the need for data-driven insight. This report provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at Memphis air quality trends, health impacts, and policy responses, with a focus on expert analysis and credible data. All facts are backed by reputable sources such as the EPA, NOAA, the American Lung Association (ALA), and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC).

Why is air quality a pressing concern in Memphis, Tennessee?

Memphis experiences persistent ozone smog and occasional particle pollution spikes, leading to frequent unhealthy air days and high asthma rates among residents. Ozone (smog) levels in the Memphis metro have worsened in recent years, with data showing an increase in high-ozone days over the past five years. Shelby County received an “F” grade for ozone pollution in the ALA’s latest report due to the number of days with unhealthy ozone levels. These poor air days correlate with increased emergency room visits for asthma and other breathing problems. In short, air quality is a pressing public concern because smog and pollution are directly impacting the health and quality of life of Memphians, particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Data spotlight: The American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2025 report shows that Shelby County had 21 “orange” ozone days and 2 “red” ozone days (over a three-year period), indicating many days when air quality was unhealthy for sensitive groups. Memphis is the only county in Tennessee with an ‘F’ for ozone in recent grading, reflecting stubborn smog problems. Meanwhile, short-term particle pollution (like soot or smoke) in Shelby County earned an “A” (zero unhealthy particle days) and the annual fine particulate level is about 8.9 μg/m³, which just meets the national annual standard. These figures underscore that while ozone smog is the dominant concern, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is also hovering near threshold levels.

Table 1: Shelby County Air Quality Grades (ALA “State of the Air” 2025)

Pollutant Metric	ALA Grade (Shelby Co.)	3-Year Statistics (2019–2021)
Ozone (8-hr)	F	21 Orange days; 2 Red days (Weighted avg 8.0)
Particle Pollution (24-hr)	A	0 days >35 μg/m³ (no Orange/Red days)
Particle Pollution (Annual)	Pass	Annual mean ~ 8.9 μg/m³ (meets 12 μg/m³ EPA standard)

Table 1: Shelby County continues to suffer failing ozone grades while meeting particle pollution standards. Orange days indicate “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” ozone levels; Red days are “Unhealthy” for all. A Pass for annual PM2.5 means the county’s yearly average is at or below the federal standard. This data is a stark indicator of why air quality remains a top concern in Memphis.

What are the main sources of air pollution in the Memphis area?

Vehicle emissions and industrial activities are the largest contributors to Memphis air pollution. As a major transportation hub – home to one of the world’s busiest cargo airports and a sprawling network of highways and river ports – Memphis sees heavy diesel truck traffic, shipping emissions, and aircraft exhaust, all of which release nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that form ozone smog. On hot summer days, sunlight cooks these emissions into ground-level ozone. Industrial sources are another key factor: Southwest Memphis hosts fossil-fuel power generation, oil refining, steel processing, and other industries whose emissions (e.g., NOx, sulfur dioxide, particulate) degrade local air.

In fact, a newly spotlighted source of NOx pollution is Elon Musk’s xAI data center in South Memphis. Since mid-2024, this facility has been running dozens of natural gas turbines to power a supercomputer, making it “likely the largest industrial emitter of NOx in Memphis,” according to the Southern Environmental Law Center. NOx is a primary ingredient in ozone formation, so such emissions exacerbate Memphis’s smog problem. The xAI facility’s unpermitted operations have raised alarm among environmental watchdogs and community members, as it potentially vaults to the top of local polluters.

Other notable pollution sources include the Allen Fossil Plant (a TVA power plant in south Memphis converting from coal to natural gas) and concentrated rail yard and barge traffic along the Mississippi River. Even household and small business activities contribute: lawnmowers, outdoor burning, and older vehicles add to localized particulate and ozone precursor emissions. In summary, Memphis’s pollution stems from a mix of mobile sources (cars, trucks, planes), stationary industrial sources, and area sources, all magnified by the city’s role as a freight and industry hub.

Is Memphis meeting federal air quality standards in 2025?

Not for ozone – Memphis’s ozone levels are exceeding federal health standards, though particle pollution remains within limits. Under the Clean Air Act, regions must keep 8-hour ozone averages below 70 ppb (the current National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone). Shelby County’s recent ozone measurements have violated this standard, prompting calls for EPA to designate the Memphis metro as a formal non-attainment area. In June 2025, the Southern Environmental Law Center filed a petition with the EPA documenting that Memphis’s ozone design values now breach compliance, after several years of rising ozone readings. This non-attainment designation would legally confirm what the data indicates – that Memphis air is often “unhealthy to breathe” by EPA benchmarks. Indeed, an SELC attorney noted, “the Memphis area has had unhealthy levels of ozone pollution… for the past couple of years,” and is currently out of compliance with federal ozone standards.

By contrast, fine particle pollution (PM2.5) in Memphis has improved enough that the area meets annual and 24-hour PM2.5 standards. Shelby County’s annual PM2.5 (~8.9 μg/m³) is below the EPA limit of 12 μg/m³, and short-term spikes are infrequent (zero days above the 35 μg/m³ 24-hr standard in recent data). This reflects progress from phasing out coal-fired power and cleaner diesel engines. However, any designation of ozone non-attainment could have broad implications, possibly requiring new pollution controls and planning mandates for the region under EPA oversight.

Key point: Memphis is essentially on the brink of failing federal air quality standards due to ozone. While not yet officially labeled non-attainment (as of June 2025), the trend is clear. Local officials acknowledge that without intervention, the Mid-South could slip into non-attainment, triggering regulatory actions. For now, particle pollution attainment provides a silver lining, but ozone remains an unresolved compliance challenge.

How is the climate and weather affecting air quality in Memphis?

Hotter temperatures and stagnant weather patterns are worsening Memphis’s ozone smog. In recent years, the region has experienced unusually warm summers and periodic drought conditions, which directly contribute to higher ozone levels. Ozone forms more readily in strong sunlight and heat; Memphis’s increase of 5+ high-ozone days (compared to a few years prior) is “being blamed on the overall higher temperatures brought about through climate change”. Essentially, climate change is extending the “smog season” in the Southeast, producing more days where the weather traps pollutants.

During summer high-pressure systems, Memphis often endures hot, dry afternoons with little wind. These stagnant conditions cause pollutants to accumulate rather than disperse. As one analysis notes, “when we have hot, dry weather with calm winds, the air becomes stagnant, keeping pollutants near the surface, which leads to poor air quality.” In practical terms, a summer drought or heat wave in the Mid-South can turn a normally acceptable air day into a Code Orange or Code Red air quality alert due to ozone buildup. NOAA researchers have likewise found that drought stress on vegetation (reducing natural ozone uptake) can boost ozone in southeastern U.S. cities during heat waves.

Beyond ozone, climate-driven events are impacting particulate pollution, too. A stark example was June 2023, when massive wildfires in Canada sent smoke plumes thousands of miles south. Hazy skies and an Air Quality Alert descended on Memphis as the smoke raised fine particle levels. Residents reported the smell of burning and irritating haze – a scenario virtually unprecedented for Memphis. “Itchy eyes, wheezing, or coughing may signify the need for a high quality face mask,” warned local health officials during that event (which reached Code Orange for PM2.5). This episode highlighted that even places like Memphis, not traditionally prone to wildfire smoke, are not immune to the effects of distant climate disasters.

In summary, climate change is compounding Memphis’s air quality challenges. Warmer baseline temperatures, longer summers, and more frequent stagnant air events are increasing ozone pollution. Meanwhile, extreme events (like wildfire smoke or dust transport) periodically spike particle pollution. These factors make it ever more crucial to curb local emissions, as a climate-influenced atmosphere is less forgiving of pollution.

What recent events or alerts have drawn attention to Memphis’s air quality?

Summer ozone “Code Orange” alerts and transboundary smoke events have put air quality in the news. Each summer, the Shelby County Health Department issues multiple “Code Orange” Air Quality Advisories for ozone, warning that air is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” For example, on June 7, 2025, an ozone alert was issued for the Memphis metro when pollution emissions, light winds, and high heat combined to exceed the 8-hour ozone standard. Under Air Quality Index guidelines, Code Orange means ozone levels have risen high enough to pose risks to children, asthmatics, and others with respiratory issues. Such alerts, common on the hottest days, often extend until sunset when ozone production subsides. Local media frequently highlight these alerts and their precautions (e.g., reduced outdoor exercise), as they did on June 7 and other peak summer days.

In 2023, as mentioned, Memphis experienced an unusual air quality warning due to Canadian wildfire smoke. For several days in early June 2023, a haze enveloped the city, triggering a special alert for fine particulate pollution (PM2.5). The Memphis Flyer reported “Canadian Wildfire Smoke Pushes Through Memphis, Triggers Air Quality Warnings”, as residents woke to orange-tinted skies. This event prompted local officials to advise wearing N95 masks outdoors and limiting time outside. It was a wake-up call that air quality issues aren’t only local; global phenomena like wildfires can degrade air here, too.

Another noteworthy topic is the ongoing community response to industrial polluters. In late 2024 and 2025, public hearings and protests have been held regarding the aforementioned xAI data center turbines in South Memphis. Neighbors in historically polluted areas (like the 38109 ZIP code) have raised concerns about toxic emissions and lack of notification. Environmental groups like Memphis Community Against Pollution and Young, Gifted and Green have organized around these issues. The publicity around xAI’s permit hearings and an EPA petition (June 2025) has shone a spotlight on Memphis’s air quality in the national press (even The Guardian covered the story of unpermitted turbines pumping pollution into a Memphis neighborhood). All of these events – summer smog alerts, wildfire smoke intrusions, and high-profile pollution disputes – have elevated public awareness of air quality as a critical issue in Memphis.

How is air pollution affecting public health in Memphis?

Poor air quality in Memphis is taking a measurable toll on public health, particularly in terms of respiratory illness. Shelby County leads the state of Tennessee in asthma-related emergency room visits, and experts link this to the region’s high pollution levels. Ground-level ozone is a powerful lung irritant; when inhaled, it inflames the lining of the airways and can trigger asthma attacks, bronchitis, and other breathing difficulties. In Memphis, pediatric asthma is a major concern – local children growing up in high-smog neighborhoods are more likely to develop asthma or have attacks requiring hospital care. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America now ranks Memphis as the #1 “Asthma Capital” in the U.S., citing factors like asthma prevalence, ER visits, and mortality. This grim title reflects not just pollen allergies but also year-round air pollution burdens.

Beyond asthma, chronic exposure to Memphis’s polluted air can lead to long-term cardiovascular and respiratory harm. According to the ALA and EPA research, breathing elevated levels of ozone and fine particles is associated with increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, lung cancer, and premature death. Ozone can reduce lung function and aggravate conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), while fine PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into lungs and even enter the bloodstream, contributing to heart disease. In neighborhoods near industrial corridors (e.g., Southwest Memphis), residents have voiced concerns about unusual clusters of cancer and other illnesses, though tying these directly to air pollution requires a detailed epidemiological study. The toxic emissions (like benzene, formaldehyde, and NOx) from certain facilities are known hazards.

It’s also a matter of environmental justice. Many of Memphis’s predominantly Black communities in north and south Memphis bear disproportionate pollution impacts, due to the historical placement of highways, factories, and now data centers in or near these neighborhoods. Consequently, health disparities are pronounced: asthma hospitalization and lung disease rates in South Memphis, for instance, are significantly higher than in suburban Shelby County. Public health officials stress that improving air quality is a “matter of life and death” for these communities. Overall, the evidence is clear that cleaner air would translate into better health outcomes in Memphis, reducing the burden of disease and healthcare costs associated with pollution-induced illness.

What initiatives and policies are in place to improve Memphis’s air quality?

Memphis and Shelby County officials, along with state and federal partners, have launched multiple initiatives to combat air pollution, with an emphasis on ozone reduction. According to the Shelby County Health Department’s “Path Forward” plan, ongoing projects include: expanding the Memphis Area Rideshare Program (to encourage carpooling and transit use), the 901 RideChoice Program (transportation for seniors and disabled persons), the “Stop at the Click” campaign (public education to stop topping off gas tanks and reduce refueling emissions), establishing anti-idling zones at schools and for commercial fleets, constructing traffic roundabouts to improve flow (thus reducing car idling time), and leveraging a federal grant to electrify the county’s vehicle fleet and build EV charging stations. (Each of these measures targets the transportation sector, which is the largest local ozone precursor source.) The Health Department is also coordinating regionally with Mississippi and Arkansas officials, recognizing that pollution doesn’t stop at state lines, to develop a joint strategy for meeting ozone standards.

On the industrial side, some significant pollution reductions have been achieved in the past decade. Emissions from major factories in Shelby County have declined by over 50% in ten years, thanks to stricter controls, plant closures, and retrofits of pollution scrubbers. The local utility (TVA) retired the coal-fired Allen power plant in 2018, cutting sulfur dioxide and soot emissions dramatically. These efforts have helped Memphis attain standards for particulate matter, as noted earlier. Moving forward, new policies like proposed EPA methane rules and tighter NOx standards for engines could further aid local air quality.

Critically, the EPA’s involvement is poised to increase. If the EPA grants the SELC petition, Memphis would enter the ozone non-attainment program, mandating a comprehensive State Implementation Plan (SIP) with enforceable targets. This could force measures such as cleaner gasoline requirements, more rigorous industrial permits, and transportation emission budgets to ensure ozone levels come down. Even without that designation yet, the EPA has already provided technical assistance and grants – for example, a recent $1.6 billion EPA Community Air Pollution grant program (as part of climate initiatives) is funneling resources to disadvantaged communities nationwide. Memphis groups and agencies are tapping these funds for projects like air monitoring in neighborhoods and green infrastructure to mitigate urban heat and pollution.

Community organizations and nonprofits are also instrumental in improving air quality. Groups like Moms Clean Air Force, Sierra Club, and local advocates are raising awareness and pushing for change, whether it’s protesting new sources of pollution (like the xAI turbines) or educating families on how to reduce exposure. These people-first efforts complement official policies by ensuring that public pressure and engagement remain high. As a result of advocacy, we’ve seen moves such as the Shelby County Commission considering stricter environmental permitting oversight and greater transparency around industrial emissions.

In summary, Memphis’s clean-air game plan involves a mix of voluntary programs, policy interventions, and future regulatory requirements. From promoting electric vehicles to potentially enforcing Clean Air Act mandates, the city is gradually moving toward solutions. However, experts caution that current efforts, while beneficial, may not yet be enough to swiftly bring Memphis into attainment for ozone. Continued strengthening of these initiatives – guided by sound science and community input – is essential to ensure breathable air for all Memphians.

How can residents reduce pollution and protect themselves on bad-air days in Memphis?

Even as government and industry do their part, individual actions are also crucial in addressing air quality. Here are steps Memphis residents can take:

1. Stay informed daily: Check the air quality forecast each morning via sources like AirNow (EPA) or the Shelby County Health Department. If a Code Orange or higher alert is in effect (meaning the air is unhealthy), plan your day accordingly. Many local weather apps and TV stations also display the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Memphis.
2. Limit outdoor activity during high pollution times: On ozone alert days, avoid strenuous exercise or outdoor work in the afternoon and early evening, when ozone peaks. If you are in a sensitive group (children, elderly, asthma sufferers), stay indoors in air conditioning on bad-air days as much as possible. For particulate pollution (like smoke events), wearing a certified N95 mask outdoors can filter out fine particles.
3. Reduce personal vehicle use and emissions: Whenever possible, carpool, use public transit, bike, or telecommute – especially on air quality alert days. Fewer cars on the road means less ozone formation. If you must drive, avoid idling your engine for long periods (for instance, don’t idle while waiting in school pickup lines). Also, refuel your car in the evening after 7 PM and don’t “top off” the gas tank when fueling. These simple actions reduce gasoline vapor emissions that contribute to ozone.
4. Engage in community solutions: Support local anti-pollution initiatives. For example, participate in “Stop at the Click” and other campaigns by properly sealing your gas cap and spreading awareness about emission-reducing habits. Report excessively smoking vehicles or industrial odors to the authorities. By getting involved with local environmental groups or public meetings, residents can help push for policies that clean the air. Every voice adds to the momentum for a healthier, cleaner Memphis.

By following these steps, individuals can both protect their health and contribute to pollution reduction. On a broader scale, a community-wide shift in behavior – driving a bit less, demanding cleaner industry, and being air-quality conscious – amplifies the impact of official programs and hastens the day Memphis enjoys consistently clean air.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What does a “Code Orange” air quality alert mean in Memphis?
A: A Code Orange alert means the air quality is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” In Memphis, this typically occurs on hot summer days when ozone pollution exceeds safe levels. Children, the elderly, and people with asthma or heart/lung disease should be cautious and reduce prolonged outdoor exposure during a Code Orange event. It is one step below Code Red (unhealthy for everyone).

Q: How does Memphis’s air quality compare to other cities?
A: Memphis is among the more polluted U.S. cities for ozone smog. In the ALA’s latest rankings, the Memphis metropolitan area is in the worst half nationally for ozone, earning an “F” grade. For particle pollution, Memphis fares better, with relatively lower particle levels compared to industrial cities in the Midwest or the Mountain West that suffer from coal smoke or wildfire smoke. However, cities like Los Angeles or Houston still see more extreme ozone days than Memphis. Within Tennessee, Shelby County (Memphis) stands out as having the poorest air quality, while other Tennessee counties often get A or B grades for air pollution. Simply put, Memphis’s air quality is worse than many medium-sized U.S. cities, though not the very worst in the nation, and it is improving more slowly than peer cities.

Q: Who is responsible for monitoring and improving air quality in Memphis?
A: Air quality is a shared responsibility among multiple agencies. The Shelby County Health Department’s Air Pollution Control Program operates local air monitors and issues health advisories. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) sets state air quality rules and works with Shelby County on the enforcement and permitting of factories. The U.S. EPA sets the standards (NAAQS) and can step in if those standards aren’t met, as seen by the recent SELC petition urging EPA action. Additionally, organizations like the National Weather Service (part of NOAA) help by forecasting ozone and smoke conditions so the public gets timely warnings. On the solutions side, city and county governments, transit authorities, and community groups all collaborate on programs to reduce emissions (from promoting electric buses to planting trees). In summary, local, state, and federal entities together oversee Memphis’s air quality, with input from environmental groups and the public.

Q: Where can I find real-time air quality info for Memphis?
A: For current conditions, the best resources are AirNow.gov, which provides up-to-the-hour AQI readings from the Shelby County monitors, and the Shelby County Health Department website, which posts local Air Quality Index updates. Mobile apps like EPA’s AirNow app or IQAir’s air quality app also show Memphis pollution levels and forecasts. Local news outlets (TV and radio) often broadcast air quality alerts in their weather segments. By checking these sources regularly, you can stay informed about Memphis’s air quality and know when it’s safe or risky to be active outdoors.

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Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Improving air quality in Memphis is both a challenge and a necessity. The data and trends up to mid-2025 reveal that while progress has been made – notably in cutting industrial emissions and keeping particle levels in check – ozone pollution remains a critical issue undermining public health. Memphis’s struggle with smog is multifaceted: geography and climate provide the backdrop for pollution to accumulate, a robust transport and industrial economy contributes the emissions, and climate change is raising the stakes with hotter, drier summers. At the same time, the city’s status as an “Asthma Capital” and the environmental justice concerns in overburdened neighborhoods make it clear that clean air is not just an environmental goal, but a moral and public health imperative.

On a positive note, Memphis and Shelby County are not facing these problems idle. Through people-first initiatives (rideshares, anti-idling, EV infrastructure) and potential regulatory actions (like EPA’s oversight of an ozone plan), the community is actively seeking solutions. The engagement of journalists, policymakers, and residents – the very audience of this report – is crucial. By fostering awareness and using accurate, expert-reviewed information (as we have with citations from EPA, NOAA, ALA, SELC, etc.), we strengthen the city’s capacity to demand and deliver change.

In conclusion, ensuring healthy air in Memphis will require sustained effort, science-based policy, and community involvement. It means balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, and learning from both data and lived experience. Armed with knowledge of current trends and topics in Memphis air quality, decision-makers and citizens alike can push for a future where every breath in Shelby County is a safe one.
For questions or additional information on this article, you can contact a weather and climate expert.

http://www.weatherandclimateexpert.com


Sources:

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