The Ministry of Environmental Protection announced that starting at noon, high air pollution is expected across the country due to respirable particles originating from southwesterly winds carrying dust from North Africa. Improvement in air quality is expected during the evening hours. The ministry, in consultation with the Ministry of Health, recommends that sensitive populations, including heart patients, lung patients, the elderly, children and pregnant women, avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors. The general population is advised to reduce strenuous physical activity outdoors.