Por Pablo Arranz 
It is advisable to control cooling in homes, use of private cars, public transportation, and bicycles, limit speed, and avoid intense physical exercises, among other measures.
The monitoring station in Lorca recorded a daily average of 50.83 pg/m3, indicating that Level 1 (preventive) is in effect.
Additionally, the forecast models for today, May 4th, predict the presence of African air masses in the Iberian Peninsula, with estimated surface dust concentrations ranging from 5-20 μg/m3 for the southeast region.
Citizens can stay informed about air quality in the Murcia region and our municipality through the website: https://sinqlair.carm.es/calidadaire/
May 4, 2025. Lorca is experiencing a new episode of PM10 particle growth due to the intrusion of Saharan air masses affecting the Murcia region. «This is an increase in PM10 levels collected in the air quality network, based on data provided by the regional government in Murcia, due to the predicted African air masses in the southern peninsula, which can lead to dry and wet deposition events,» said the Environmental Mayor, María Hernández.
María Hernández stated that «according to the Municipal Action Protocol, Level 1 (Preventive) was recorded for PM10 particles at the Lorca station, with a daily average of 50.83 µg/m3, exceeding the daily limit value once 35 times a year, as per RD 102/2011. It should be noted that the 24-hour average must be measured, established at 50 pg/m3, for at least 3 consecutive hours to trigger the aforementioned threshold, indicating high daily levels at that time and ensuring the provision of information related to air quality for contaminant PM10 particles to the population.»
María Hernández emphasized that, in this situation, it is recommended to follow a series of preventive measures to avoid the growth of these particles. Among them, «control the cooling of homes and public buildings, thus minimizing energy consumption; turn off lights and devices not in use; avoid burning agricultural margins; common use of private cars; use of public transportation and bicycles or scooters for travel, and avoid intense outdoor exercises.»
Furthermore, the models forecast the presence of African air masses in the Iberian Peninsula for today, May 4th, estimating surface dust concentrations within 5-20 μg/m3 for the southeastern peninsula, which could impact the levels of PM10 particles measured by the air quality network. According to the models, dry dust deposition could occur across most of the peninsula today.
The environmental advisor reminded citizens that they can stay informed about air quality in the Murcia region and our municipality through the Ministry of Environment, Universities, Research, and MAR website: https://sinqlair.carm.es/calyaire/