The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a yellow warning this Sunday due to the arrival of calima—suspended dust from the Sahara—affecting several of the Canary Islands.
Areas Affected
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: The dust cloud will encompass the entire islands.
- Gran Canaria: The phenomenon will primarily affect the summit regions and the east, south, and west of the island. Visibility is expected to drop to around 3,000 metres, particularly in high-altitude areas facing south. However, Aemet has noted the possibility of reduced visibility in low-lying regions as well.
What the Yellow Warning Means
The yellow warning indicates that, in general, there is no significant meteorological risk for the population as a whole. However, Aemet stresses that specific activities may be impacted, especially those involving outdoor work, transport, or sensitive groups such as individuals with respiratory conditions.
Context
Occurrences of calima are common in the Canary Islands, typically leading to:
- Reduced visibility for drivers and air traffic.
- Deterioration of air quality due to fine dust particles.
- Health risks for vulnerable groups, particularly those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
This latest alert highlights the ongoing impact of Saharan dust on the everyday life and environment of the archipelago, as authorities remind both residents and visitors to exercise caution during this phenomenon.
