Poor air quality in Saxony - high particulate matter levels

The air quality in Saxony remains poor, especially in the northern half of the state. A map published by the Federal Environment Agency (Uba) on Tuesday showed very high levels of particulate matter at seven measuring points. This affected three measuring stations in Leipzig as well as one each in Niesky, Görlitz, Liebschützberg in northern Saxony and Zwickau.

The situation is not ideal in the state capital Dresden either. There, the Uba classified the air quality at three measuring points as only "moderate".

BUND calls the values "alarming"

The environmental protection association BUND called the particulate matter values alarming and advised the population to avoid physically strenuous outdoor activities - such as jogging - at the moment. People should also switch to public transport, avoid firing up fireplaces and save energy wherever possible.

According to the Federal Environment Agency, the current weather conditions without wind and precipitation mean that pollutants from traffic and energy production remain trapped in the lower layers of the air. This increases the concentration of fine dust particles in the air.

According to the German Weather Service, high pressure will continue to ensure similar weather over the next few days. It should remain sunny, clear and dry up to and including Thursday.