Particulate levels are currently rising across the south east due to a polluted continental airmass which has been transported from eastern Europe, passing over Poland, Germany and the low countries, prior to reaching the UK during the early hours of this morning.

Widespread moderate PM10 particulate levels will occur at roadside sites across the south east over the next 72 hours. Moderate PM10 levels were also likely to occur at background sites in central London.

Current metrological forecasts are indicating that the polluted air feed will continue until Saturday and there will be risk of moderate particulates throughout this period. Sunday should see a change in wind direction feeding in a cleaner air mass from the northwest leading to a drop in particulate levels but this may be a temporary respite with a chance that polluted conditions will return early next week.

Nowcast:

Current pollution levels across London can be viewed in greater detail and in comparison with the Government's Air Pollution Index using the link below.

Alert issued at 2pm on Wednesday 2nd March 2011.

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Item date 02/03/2011