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A cloud of Saharan dust leaves hazy skies in Barcelona
Barcelona woke up under a layer of Saharan dust that has erased much of the blue from the sky. The haze brings a whitish light, reduces visibility, and increases the concentration of particles—a combination that can make the day more difficult for those with respiratory problems.
The phenomenon can be clearly seen from the city’s elevated points and along the coastline. Montjuïc, Collserola and more distant buildings appear blurred, while the horizon takes on grey, yellowish or brown tones depending on the concentration of dust.
The particles come from North Africa and can travel thousands of kilometres suspended in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Certain wind currents push that air mass towards the peninsula and the Mediterranean until it reaches Catalonia.
The dust does not arrive as a compact cloud of sand. The smallest grains rise when wind strikes desert ground and remain suspended for days, allowing them to travel far beyond the Sahara.
In the city, its effects range from reduced visibility to the appearance of a fine layer of dirt on cars, balconies and outdoor furniture. If it coincides with rain, drops can drag the particles down and leave the familiar muddy rain.
The presence of mineral dust can also temporarily worsen air quality. Children, older people and those with asthma, allergies or cardiovascular diseases are the groups that should act with greatest caution during the hours of highest concentration.
The general recommendation is to reduce intense exercise outdoors, close windows when the air is especially laden and follow the evolution of official indicators. A gentle walk does not involve the same exertion as running, cycling intensely or training outdoors for several hours.
These episodes form part of Mediterranean weather, although their duration and intensity vary greatly according to atmospheric circulation. There is no simple trend that allows every dust intrusion to be attributed to a single cause, but changes in droughts and wind patterns affect their frequency.
The scene leaves Barcelona blurred, with the sea and mountains hidden behind a dry haze. Until air currents change, the sky will continue to show a dull tone and outdoor activity will require a little more attention.