A combination of an Atlantic trough , storms, and a drop in temperature is coinciding with the arrival of suspended dust and smoke from fires, a cocktail that favors the accumulation of PM2.5 and PM10 in different parts of the country.
Wind direction is making a difference: in some provinces it helps disperse pollutants , while in other areas it favors stagnation , with occasionally severe episodes.
Castile and León: Zamora, main focus of the episode
Zamora recorded some of the worst readings of the day. In Puebla de Sanabria, the index soared to 235 points (a very unhealthy level), linked to high levels of PM2.5 and PM10 . A slight improvement is expected tomorrow, to around 198 , although it will still remain at risk levels.
The Trabazos station also remains in ICA at red , with risk to the entire population, not just vulnerable groups.
The situation in Benavente has required an updated alert : the AQI reached 164 (unhealthy). Indoors, with windows open , 330 µg/m³ of PM2.5 were detected , compared to 450 µg/m³ outdoors , demonstrating that smoke easily penetrates homes and schools.
In other towns such as Toro, Zamora capital, Bermillo de Sayago or Villalpando , the air is somewhat more breathable, although it ranges between acceptable and unhealthy levels for sensitive people.
West and northwest winds are channeling the smoke towards Benavente and Tierra de Campos. Authorities recommend avoiding outdoor exercise , keeping doors and windows closed , and considering FFP2 masks , especially for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
Castile and León: contrasts in the province of León
In Palacios del Sil, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is 152 (unhealthy), with PM2.5 at 19,67 µg/m³ and PM10 at 26,89 µg/m³ . Models indicate a decrease tomorrow to an AQI of 64 , still posing a risk to sensitive groups.
Astorga is currently at the orange level after being at the red level yesterday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 110 , due to high levels of particulate matter. The forecast for tomorrow is lower to 89 , within the acceptable range.
Ponferrada remains in the category of unhealthy for sensitive people , with particles as the main pollutant and no relevant changes in the short term.
Extremadura: persistent problems in northern Cáceres
In Plasencia the index is around 107 points and could reach around 110 tomorrow, unhealthy values ​​for sensitive groups due to the PM2.5 load.
Navalmoral de la Mata currently has around 110 points , with an expected improvement to around 65 in the coming hours.
In Cáceres capital, Trujillo, Guadalupe, Coria, Moraleja and Miajadas , the air quality ranges between acceptable and the risk threshold for vulnerable populations, with poor atmospheric ventilation that prevents the dispersion of pollutants.
Galicia: Ourense has the worst rates
The southeast of the province of Ourense is experiencing a notable deterioration in air quality, with episodes marked by fine particles.
In A Gudiña, the indicator rises to 181 (unhealthy), with PM2.5 above 112 µg/m³ . No significant changes are expected in the short term.
VerÃn registers an ICA of 132 , with PM2.5 above 47 µg/m³ , at levels that are unhealthy for sensitive individuals and with expected stability.
Ourense city, Xinzo de Limia and Castro Caldelas maintain satisfactory conditions , with low levels of pollutants.
There is concern in O Barco de Valdeorras , where the valley environment makes dispersal difficult and the situation has been classified as very unhealthy.
Center and southeast: Madrid, Valladolid and the Region of Murcia
In the Community of Madrid the air is mostly acceptable (Madrid capital, Tres Cantos, Fuenlabrada, Alcalá de Henares, Galapagar, Valdemoro, San MartÃn de Valdeiglesias and Aranjuez), with a recent improvement in several stations.
The regional health authority has issued a preventative alert due to the arrival of a mass of air from Africa that could carry suspended dust. It is recommended to avoid strenuous outdoor exercise , limit time spent outdoors, and, in cases of particular sensitivity, use FFP2 masks ; in addition, ventilate homes in the early morning and stay well hydrated.
In Valladolid , the municipal air quality monitoring network (RCCAVA) has recorded ozone levels exceeding 100 µg/m³ for several consecutive days , triggering Level 1, Preventive . The eight-hour threshold of 120 µg/m³ was also exceeded on the first day; three consecutive days of exceeding this threshold would trigger Level 2 (WARNING), with possible traffic restrictions.
An episode of particulate matter with PM10 levels above 80 µg/m³ and PM2.5 levels above 25 µg/m³ has been recorded at all monitoring stations, largely associated with wildfires in the northwest . Although concentrations decreased in the afternoon, weather conditions could lead to further occurrences. The public can consult the data on the municipal website and the Vallaire app.
In the Region of Murcia, the haze has once again raised PM10 levels : in Cartagena, Valle de Escombreras recorded 83,65 µg/m³ and Mompeán 76 µg/m³ ; in Murcia (Ronda Sur) levels reached 71,32 µg/m³ ; Alcantarilla , 67,5 µg/m³ ; and Lorca , 62,37 µg/m³ . Although levels have decreased compared to previous days, a new influx of African air is expected in the coming days.
Public information and protocols: the case of the Basque Country
Experts are calling for official communication to align with the new European Air Quality Index (AQI) and WHO limits , because messages on urban billboards sometimes do not reflect the actual health conditions of the air.
The obligation to have protocols in place for dealing with smoke and Saharan dust intrusions is reiterated . Among the Basque capitals, Vitoria has a protocol, San Sebastián has committed to approving one, and Bilbao is calling for a more proactive approach.
In certain urban areas, values ​​have been recorded above legal limits and even several times those set by the WHO , which reinforces the need to standardize indices and improve signage for informed decisions.
General health recommendations
Air quality may not affect the general population at all times, but during episodes of particulate matter and ozone, it is advisable to take extra precautions for people at risk.
- Sensitive groupsReduce strenuous outdoor activities; follow your asthma/respiratory illness medication plan.
- Population with cardiac pathology: to watch palpitations, shortness of breath or unusual fatigue and consult if symptoms appear.
- General recommendations: stay hydrated, ventilate first thing in the morning or at night and consult official channels.
- FFP2 masks: recommended for prolonged exposure on days of intense smoke or dust.
The current situation shows that Saharan dust, ozone, and smoke from fires are affecting air quality in several regions; with forecasts of new intrusions and isolated episodes, it is crucial to follow official updates and apply protection measures according to the level of risk in each area.