Running Conditions Score Explained
How Aeriqo combines air quality, weather, and exercise science into a single 0–100 number that tells you whether it's a good time to run.
Quick Answer
The Running Conditions Score is a 0–100 composite that blends air quality (35%), temperature (25%), precipitation (15%), wind (10%), humidity (10%), and UV index (5%). Factors are not scored in isolation — humidity matters more in heat, and wind matters more in cold — because the algorithm models how conditions interact physiologically.
This is general guidance, not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider if you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
What Is the Running Conditions Score?
AQI alone does not tell you whether it is a good time to run. A morning with excellent air quality could still be miserable if it is 38 °C with 90% humidity — or dangerous if there is a freezing wind chill. The Running Conditions Score combines six environmental factors into a single 0–100 number, where 100 means perfect conditions and 0 means you should stay indoors.
The score appears on each location card in Aeriqo, below the AQI badge. Tap the card to see how each factor contributes.
How Is It Calculated?
Each factor is scored 0–100 individually, then combined using a weighted average. The weights reflect how much each factor matters for running comfort and safety:
Factor Weights
Air Quality (AQI)
Clean air is the single most important factor during exercise. Higher ventilation rates mean more pollutant inhalation.
Temperature
Peaks at around 13 °C (the physiological sweet spot for distance running) and drops steeply at extremes.
Precipitation
No rain is ideal. Light drizzle is tolerable; heavy rain scores zero.
Wind
Light breeze is fine. Strong gusts (above 50 km/h) are dangerous and score zero.
Humidity
Comfort range is 20–60%. Above 90% scores zero — but only when it is warm enough to matter.
UV Index
Low UV (0–3) is ideal. Extreme UV (11+) scores zero. The weight is small because UV is easy to mitigate with sunscreen.
The weighted sum produces a base score from 0 to 100. If air quality or temperature is critically poor, the overall score is capped — because no amount of pleasant weather can compensate for dangerous air or extreme temperatures. A score of 80+ means nearly every factor is in the green.
Check Your Route's Air Quality
See segment-by-segment AQI along your running or cycling route before heading out.
Try Aeriqo FreeWhy Factors Interact
Scoring each factor in isolation would be misleading. Real physiology does not work that way — your body's response to humidity depends on the temperature, and the danger of wind depends on how cold it is. Aeriqo models two key interactions:
Temperature × Humidity
At cold temperatures (below 10 °C), high humidity has almost no effect on running comfort because the body is not relying on evaporative cooling. At hot temperatures (above 30 °C), the same humidity level severely impairs sweat evaporation, making conditions dangerous. This is the same principle behind the Heat Index and WBGT used in sports medicine.
82% humidity at 8 °C → score ~79 ("Good"). The same 82% at 35 °C → score ~0 ("Bad").
Temperature × Wind
In freezing conditions, wind dramatically amplifies heat loss — the wind chill effect. But on a hot day, a moderate breeze aids evaporative cooling and actually improves conditions. For safety, wind above 35 km/h always receives full penalty regardless of temperature.
25 km/h wind at −3 °C → score drops below 50 (wind chill). The same 25 km/h at 30 °C → score rises above 80 (welcome cooling).
These interaction models are informed by the NWS Wind Chill Index, the Heat Index formula, WBGT thresholds used by the ACSM, and exercise physiology research on thermoregulation.
The Rating Scale
The 0–100 score maps to five ratings:
Excellent
Near-perfect conditions. Go enjoy your run.
Good
Minor concerns in one or two factors. Most runners will be fine.
Fair
Noticeable compromises. Adjust pace or route.
Poor
Significant issues. Consider shorter or indoor alternatives.
Avoid
Multiple factors are hostile. Indoor training is strongly recommended.
Alongside the rating, Aeriqo shows an advisory message that names the most limiting factor — for example, "Hot and humid — sweat can't evaporate, slow down and hydrate."
How to Use the Score
The score is designed for quick decision-making before you head out the door:
- Check the overall score first. Above 60 is generally safe to run; below 40 deserves a second thought.
- Read the advisory text. It highlights the most limiting factor so you know what to prepare for.
- Expand the details panel to see each factor's individual score and the weather-AQI interaction notes.
- Compare hours using the forecast timeline. The score updates hourly, so you can find the best window.
- Combine with Optimal Times. Aeriqo also highlights time windows where AQI is under 50 — pair those with a high Running Conditions Score for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Running Conditions Score a medical recommendation?
No. It is an informational tool that combines publicly available weather and air quality data using exercise science principles. It is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, consult your doctor about safe exercise thresholds.
Why does humidity barely affect my score when it is cold?
Because at cold temperatures your body does not rely on sweating to cool down. Humidity impairs evaporative cooling, which only matters when ambient temperature is high enough for the body to need it. This is based on the same science behind the Heat Index.
Why is wind shown as beneficial on hot days?
Moderate wind aids evaporative cooling by moving air across your skin. On a 30 °C day, a 20 km/h breeze genuinely improves comfort. However, extreme wind (above 35 km/h) is always penalized because of the physical danger — debris, instability, and breathing difficulty.
How often does the score update?
The score recalculates every time you refresh your location data. Weather and AQI data typically update hourly, so the score reflects current conditions within the last hour.
Can I see the score for future hours?
Yes. The forecast timeline in the detail panel shows the Running Conditions Score for each hour alongside the AQI forecast. This helps you plan the best time of day to run.
Why is my score so low when the weather is great but AQI is high?
Air quality and temperature are treated as safety-critical factors. When either one falls below a safe threshold, the overall score is capped regardless of how favorable other conditions are. You cannot mitigate breathing polluted air by running on a sunny day — your lungs are still exposed.
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