Preventive air pollution alert issued in Barcelona area

The Catalan Department of Climate Action issued a preventive air pollution alert on Tuesday due to high levels of particles in the air of forty municipalities in the Barcelona metropolitan area. 

Daily average levels on Monday exceeded the 50 µg/m³ threshold at more than one weather station in the areas of Barcelona, Vallès and Baix Llobregat.

A powerful anticyclone has settled over Catalonia in the past few days, leading to stagnant air and hindering the natural dispersion of pollution due to insufficient ventilation. 

The 24-hour forecast indicates that levels will remain high as dispersion conditions are not expected to improve significantly. 

The preventive alert is the stage prior to the pollution episode, which will not necessarily occur, and is activated to reduce the emission of pollutants, especially those particles emitted by human activities. 

During the alert, electronic panels will be installed on major roads to signal increased pollution levels, and the public will be urged to use public transport. Industries and public works will be advised to reduce or suspend activities involving dusty materials. 

Weather conditions over the next few days will determine whether the alert is maintained, deactivated, or further escalated to a pollution episode.