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Lima Air Quality Plunges After Christmas as Fireworks Drive 125% Pollution Jump

Officials blame heavy pyrotechnics under stagnant weather for the surge.

Overview

  • Senamhi reported an early-morning PM2.5 spike between about 1:00 and 6:00 a.m. on December 25 following widespread pyrotechnics.
  • Monitoring stations registered hazardous peaks including Puente Piedra at 158.2 µg/m³, Santa Anita at 112.1, San Juan de Lurigancho at roughly 104–109, and Pariachi (Ate) at about 103–109.
  • The year-on-year increase reached approximately 125% compared with the same date in 2024, indicating a far more intense holiday pollution event.
  • Meteorological conditions featuring weak winds and a colder sea surface limited dispersion, compounding the accumulation of fine particulates.
  • Health and environment authorities warned about toxic residues and urged vulnerable groups to keep windows closed and avoid outdoor exercise, as municipal crews collected over 100 tons of post-celebration waste and officials logged dozens of fires.