The Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning recommends taking precautionary measures due to the continued prediction of high concentrations of dust particles in the air coming from North Africa, an alert that began on Monday, the 16th and will last at least until Saturday, the 21st, throughout the territory of Castilla y León. It is advisable to avoid physical activities for at-risk groups and sensitive individuals, as well as outdoor burning of plant debris.
June 19, 2025
Castilla y León | Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning
Prediction models announce the intrusion of dust particles from North Africa, which are expected to cause an increase in measured levels of these substances in the air that started on Monday, June 16, and will last at least until Saturday, the 21st, throughout the territory of Castilla y León. This is a completely natural process over which human intervention is not possible, except for taking precautions to minimize exposure to these particles.
This alert is predictive, as the information is available through air quality models for PM10 particles (particles smaller than 10 microns). The prediction indicates that values may likely exceed 50 μg/m3 as a 24-hour moving average, indicating very unfavorable air quality.
Although the Air Quality regulations in Spain and Europe do not establish an information threshold for this pollutant, the Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning, in an effort to minimize the impact of these particles, recommends:
- If the levels are not very high (up to regular): for the general population, even though the forecasted air quality during these hours likely won’t affect them, it may pose a moderate risk for at-risk groups and sensitive individuals. Therefore, enjoy outdoor activities as usual. However, monitor for symptoms such as cough, throat irritation, shortness of breath, excessive fatigue, or palpitations.
- If the levels are higher (>regular), individuals in at-risk groups and sensitive individuals, such as those with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases or severe allergies, should consider reducing prolonged and vigorous outdoor activities. Those with asthma or respiratory diseases should carefully follow their medication plan. Individuals with heart problems may experience palpitations, difficulty breathing, or unusual fatigue.
- Given that the magnitude of the intrusion will vary depending on the time of day and in the coming days, it is recommended that anyone planning outdoor activities check the air quality in their area by accessing the websites listed below.
Additionally, it is also recommended to avoid actions such as outdoor burning of plant debris and, in general, any activity that may emit particles in order to minimize the effects of this episode.
The Ministry of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning will monitor this episode, and real-time air quality data for the region can be accessed at:
For the interpretation of real-time data and in accordance with Order TEC/351/2019, of March 18, which approves the National Air Quality Index, reference values, such as daily averages.