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Madrid’s air worsens because of wildfire smoke and haze
Smoke from forest fires and the arrival of African dust have worsened air quality in Madrid. The air feels denser, with lower visibility in some places and high particle levels that make it necessary to reconsider sport and other outdoor activities.
Stations in the north of the capital have recorded concentrations of PM2.5 fine particles of up to 60 micrograms per cubic metre. These levels can cause discomfort, especially among people with asthma, respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular problems.
The situation is more severe in several mountain municipalities. In Collado Villalba, levels have exceeded 100 micrograms since early Friday, reaching a maximum of 197 at around ten in the morning.
Puerto de Cotos has also recorded high figures, with 148 micrograms at the same time and peaks of up to 176 during the night. The combination of smoke and suspended dust explains much of this increase.
Ozone adds another pressure factor and keeps air quality at moderate levels in different parts of the region. Heat and solar radiation encourage its formation, so the middle hours of the afternoon may be particularly uncomfortable.
The recommendation is to avoid intense exercise outdoors, reduce time spent on streets with traffic and close windows if the smell of smoke or the presence of particles is apparent. Children, older people and sensitive people should take extra precautions.
Those planning to run, cycle or carry out prolonged activities can move them indoors or wait for readings to improve. It is also advisable to follow developments at nearby stations, as conditions can vary greatly between neighbourhoods and municipalities.
A slight improvement is expected during Saturday, although it will depend on the wind, the evolution of the fires and the withdrawal of the African air mass. Until then, the scene leaves a muted sky and a city that will also have to look at air quality before making plans.