The Department of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning recommends taking precautionary measures due to the prediction of high concentrations of dust particles in the air for tomorrow, March 20. It is advised to avoid activities that involve physical effort for at-risk groups and sensitive individuals, as well as outdoor burning of plant debris.
March 19, 2025
Castilla y León | Department of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning
Prediction models announce the intrusion of dust particles from North Africa, which are expected to increase the average levels of these substances in the air for tomorrow, March 20, throughout the territory of Castilla y León. This is a completely natural process over which there is no human intervention, 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 above 50 μg/m3 as a 24-hour rolling average are likely to occur, determining very unfavorable air quality.
Although the Air Quality regulations in Spain and Europe do not establish an information threshold for this pollutant to the population, the Department of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning recommends the following measures to minimize the impact of these particles:
If the levels are not very high (up to regular): for the general population, although the predicted air quality during these hours probably won’t affect them, it may pose a moderate risk to at-risk groups and sensitive individuals. Therefore, enjoy outdoor activities normally. However, watch out for symptoms such as coughing, 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. Individuals with asthma or respiratory diseases should carefully follow their medication plan. Individuals with heart problems may experience palpitations, difficulty breathing, or unusual fatigue.
Since 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 indicated below.
Additionally, it is also recommended to avoid actions such as outdoor burning of plant debris and any activity that could emit particles in order to minimize the effects of this episode.
The Department of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning will monitor this episode, and real-time air quality data for the region can be accessed at:
Department of Environment, Housing, and Land Planning:
Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge:
European Environment Agency:
Air Quality Index (ICA) app available on the APP Store
For the interpretation of real-time data, and in accordance with Order TEC/351/2019 of March 18, approving the National Air Quality Index, the reference values, such as daily averages, would be as follows: