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A cloud of Saharan dust leaves hazy skies over 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 raises the concentration of particles—a combination that can make the day more difficult for those with respiratory problems.
The phenomenon is clearly visible from the city's higher points and along the coastline. Montjuïc, Collserola, and the more distant buildings appear blurred, while the horizon takes on grey, yellowish, or brownish tones depending on the dust concentration.
The particles come from North Africa and can travel thousands of kilometres suspended in the upper layers of the atmosphere. Certain wind currents push this mass of air towards the peninsula and the Mediterranean until it reaches Catalunya.
The dust does not arrive as a compact cloud of sand. The smallest grains are lifted when the wind hits the 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 a fine layer of dirt on cars, balconies, and outdoor furniture. If it coincides with rainfall, the drops can drag the particles down and cause the well-known 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 who should be most cautious during periods of higher concentration.
The general recommendation is to reduce intense outdoor exercise, keep windows closed when the air is especially heavy, and follow the updates from official indicators. A gentle walk does not require the same effort as running, cycling vigorously, or training outdoors for several hours.
These episodes are part of Mediterranean weather patterns, although their duration and intensity vary greatly depending on atmospheric circulation. There is no simple trend that allows each arrival of dust to be attributed to a single cause, but changes in droughts and wind patterns affect their frequency.
The scene leaves Barcelona looking blurred, with the sea and mountains hidden behind a dry haze. Until the air currents change, the sky will continue to look dull and outdoor activities will require a bit more attention.