The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) has decided to maintain Phase I ozone air contingency in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area on Saturday, February 14, 2026, marking the third day of vehicle restrictions due to poor air quality. The peak ozone level recorded was 156 ppb at the Atizapán station in the State of Mexico. Authorities attribute the situation to a high-pressure system that promotes pollutant accumulation.
The ozone air contingency in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (ZMVM), encompassing Mexico City and municipalities in the State of Mexico, was activated on Thursday, February 12, 2026, after exceeding 150 ppb of ozone at monitoring stations, such as the 155 ppb recorded at the Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera station in Coyoacán during the afternoon of the 12th. It nearly activated on February 11, but winds diluted the pollutants. On Friday the 13th, the CAMe confirmed its continuation, and on Saturday the 14th at 15:00 hours, it reported a peak of 156 ppb at Atizapán.
The Atmospheric Monitoring System indicates that air quality remains poor across all of CDMX and the conurbation, with average temperatures of 25°C at 14:00 hours and estimated highs of 28 to 29°C. Meteorological factors such as a high-pressure system, weak winds, low humidity, clear skies, and intense solar radiation have caused moderate to strong atmospheric stability, favoring ozone formation and accumulation. The CAMe estimates air quality will be poor to very poor.
This is the second ozone contingency in 2026, following the one on January 8, and it comes after another for suspended particles on January 1. The objective is to reduce population exposure to polluted air, mitigate health risks, and decrease emissions.
The Doble Hoy No Circula program continues for Saturday, February 14, from 5:00 to 22:00 hours, affecting vehicles with verification hologram 2; hologram 1 ending in 2, 4, 6, 8, or 0; hologram 0 and 00 with blue sticker ending in 9 or 0; and others like vehicles without hologram, which follow hologram 2 restrictions. Also, 50% of LP gas units with even endings, cargo vehicles from 6:00 to 10:00 (with exceptions), and taxis from 10:00 to 22:00 as applicable.
The rotation of the Hoy No Circula program during weekend contingencies explains why plates ending in 9 and 0 are restricted for two consecutive days: it follows the color sequence (yellow, pink, red, green, blue), with the last weekend contingency in April 2024 applying to green.
Recommendations include avoiding exposure to pollution peaks from 13:00 to 19:00 hours, refraining from outdoor exercise during that time, especially for children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Postpone outdoor activities and avoid smoking in enclosed spaces. Exemptions apply to electric vehicles, hybrids, emergency services, and others listed by the CAMe.
