The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a warning for the return of the calima, a mass of suspended Saharan dust, which is expected to affect the Canary Islands from the afternoon of Saturday, 6 September, continuing until midnight on Monday, 8 September.
Islands Under Yellow Warning
The phenomenon will primarily impact Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, where visibility is anticipated to drop to around 3,000 metres. Aemet has declared a yellow alert, indicating a moderate level of risk with a probability of between 40% and 70%.
Local Impacts by Island
- Gran Canaria: The reduction in visibility will be most pronounced in the mountainous regions as well as the eastern, southern, and western zones. However, Aemet does not rule out the possibility of dust spreading into lower-altitude areas.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: The calima is expected to primarily affect southern-facing high areas, although the dust cloud could extend into other parts of the islands.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Calima events are not uncommon in the archipelago. The suspended dust particles, carried from the Sahara Desert, can affect air quality, reduce visibility for drivers, and pose health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions.
Recent studies indicate that the Canary Islands have a long history of calima incidents, underscoring their ongoing impact on daily life, public health, and local tourism.
