Madrid and other parts of Spain experienced a significant decline in air quality on Tuesday. Regional authorities warned residents about the possible impact of an African air mass, reportedly carrying high concentrations of particles that could negatively affect public health.
However, meteorologists and climate experts dispute this explanation. According to their data, the main cause of air pollution is smoke and combustion products entering the atmosphere due to ongoing wildfires in the northwest of the country. In particular, the regions of Galicia, Castilla y León, Asturias, and Extremadura have reported major fire outbreaks in recent days.
Experts say the wildfire smoke is spreading over long distances and covering a substantial part of Spain, including the capital region. Meteorologists point out that Madrid is currently affected not by hot, dry air from Africa, but by a cooler and more humid air mass from the Atlantic, as confirmed by falling temperatures in recent days.
Specialists emphasize that such declines in air quality are most often associated with Saharan dust, but this time the main factor is smoke from the wildfires. Data analysis shows that combustion products—such as carbon monoxide and other harmful compounds—predominate in the atmosphere and are traveling hundreds of kilometers from the fire sites.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency also confirms that currently, the main threat to air quality comes from the wildfires, not from the African air mass. Earlier, Saharan dust had indeed been recorded as a factor, but now its impact has all but disappeared, giving way to the effects of the large-scale fires.
Despite the differences between official statements and expert opinions, recommendations for residents remain unchanged: avoid spending extended periods outdoors whenever possible, especially for people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women, children under six, and the elderly.
Experts are unable to predict exactly when air quality will improve. Everything depends on how quickly the fires in the affected regions can be contained and extinguished. Meanwhile, residents of Madrid and other impacted areas are advised to monitor updates and follow safety precautions.
Madrid authorities continue to issue daily recommendations on air pollution protection and promise to provide timely updates as the situation develops.
