Macau’s air quality reaches hazardous levels as dust storm lingers

Air quality in Macau has deteriorated sharply, with levels recorded between the evening of April 13 and yesterday morning reaching “very unhealthy” to “hazardous” across the city, according to official monitoring data.

Roadside and general air quality monitoring stations reported Air Quality Index readings ranging from 280 to 310 – levels classified as “very unhealthy” to “hazardous.”

In high-density residential areas, Air Quality Index readings ranged from 260 to 290, also falling within the “very unhealthy” range.

Authorities attributed the poor air quality to residual effects of a mainland dust storm, which – although gradually easing – continues to affect the region due to weak wind conditions in the Pearl River Delta.

The stagnant air has limited the dispersion of pollutants, leading to persistently high pollution levels.

The Environmental Protection Bureau (DSPA) warns that these hazardous air conditions are likely to continue through tonight and into tomorrow.

Vulnerable groups – including individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women, children, and the elderly – are strongly advised to avoid outdoor activities and minimize time spent outdoors.

The general public is also urged to reduce strenuous physical activity and limit outdoor exposure until conditions improve. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors and use air purifiers where possible.

A report released earlier this year by the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) shows that the city’s air quality deteriorated significantly in 2024, with a marked increase in “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy” days compared to the previous year.

The findings reveal that the Ká Hó station recorded the highest health-risk index of the year at 216 on October 19.

SMG indicates that last year, the SAR experienced two “very unhealthy” days and 136 “unhealthy” days, a stark rise from just 91 such days recorded in 2023.

Yellow haze warning issued across Guangdong

Cities across Guangdong, including Guangzhou, Foshan, and Jiangmen, have issued yellow haze alerts following a surge in air pollution linked to a large-scale sandstorm sweeping southward from northern China.

The storm has caused varying degrees of pollution in 21 cities, with officials warning that poor air quality may persist through April 16.

According to the Guangdong Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment, weak winds and a lack of rainfall have hindered the dispersion of airborne pollutants.

Current air quality in the Pearl River Delta ranges from good to slightly polluted, while southern areas face moderate to heavy pollution.

Chief forecaster Zhang Jinpu from the Guangzhou Ecological Environment Monitoring Center reported that PM10 – coarse particulate matter – is the primary pollutant.

Though it may not heavily affect visibility, PM10 levels have significantly increased since the storm reached Guangdong on April 12.

Zhang noted that this pollution episode mirrors a similar event in 2009 but may surpass it in severity and speed of spread.

The dust originated in Inner Mongolia on April 11 and quickly traveled through major cities before reaching Guangdong.

Officials predict the situation will return to normal by April 17 to 20, when air quality should improve to “good” or “excellent.”