This morning, the city of Barcelona and various coastal and pre-coastal areas experienced a distinct burnt smell. According to information from the Generalitat Firefighters and Civil Protection, this phenomenon is due to the wildfire burning in Leciñena, approximately 300 km away.
The key factor behind this smoke's arrival is the influx of westerly winds, primarily the mistral, which have intensified in recent days. These winds have directed the smoke plume from Aragón towards Catalonia, clearly visible in satellite imagery over the plain of Lleida.
Upon reaching central Catalonia, the wind shifted to a northwesterly direction, facilitating the smoke's journey towards the coast. This has resulted in many coastal towns in the Barcelona region perceiving this characteristic smell throughout the morning.
It is anticipated that from mid-morning onwards, the wind along the Barcelona coast will shift to a southerly and southeasterly direction, with a maritime trajectory, which could alter the smell situation during the day. However, in the plain of Lleida, the westerly and northwesterly winds are expected to continue blowing, maintaining the smoke plume's usual path.
The presence of smoke is so evident that a defined arc can be traced, following areas such as Osona, Montseny, and the Alt Maresme, along with some smoke presence on the coast and pre-coast of Barcelona, despite clouds offshore.
