This Thursday, stable weather is expected to prevail across much of mainland Spain, with rains diminishing in the Mediterranean region and calima (haze) expected in the Canary Islands, according to the latest forecast from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). However, a weather front will bring rainfall to the northwestern quadrant of the Peninsula and northern Extremadura, with maximum temperatures set to drop in regions like Galicia and Huelva. Active warnings for adverse weather will only be in effect for the northwest of A Coruña due to coastal phenomena and for Lanzarote in the Canary Islands due to a calima event.
What is a Calima?
A calima occurs when strong winds carry dust and sand from the Sahara Desert across the Canary Islands, often reducing air quality and visibility. This atmospheric phenomenon can lead to hazy skies, decreased visibility, and respiratory discomfort for residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. During a calima, temperatures may also rise as the dust-laden winds carry heat from the desert.
Impact on the Canary Islands
- Lanzarote has been issued a specific warning for the calima event, with other islands potentially experiencing some dust-laden winds.
- Health Precautions: Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially those with respiratory conditions, and to keep windows and doors closed to minimise exposure to the dust. Wearing protective masks may be helpful for people sensitive to air quality changes.
- Transport and Visibility: The haze may cause reduced visibility on roads and impact air travel. Motorists are urged to drive cautiously, and those planning to fly should check with airlines for possible delays or cancellations.
General Weather Conditions
Aside from the calima warning in the Canary Islands, the rest of the archipelago will generally experience stable weather with partly cloudy or clear skies. Some cloud intervals are expected in the northern regions of the larger islands such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Temperatures are expected to rise in the Canary Islands, alongside the Ebro region and the eastern part of mainland Spain.
Winds in the archipelago will continue to blow as moderate trade winds, with occasional strong gusts in exposed areas and channels between islands. This may exacerbate the effects of the calima in certain areas, leading to stronger winds carrying more dust across the region.
Nationwide Weather Overview
While the Canary Islands deal with the calima, most of mainland Spain will experience stable weather. However, as the day progresses, a frontal system moving in from the northwest will bring rainfall to regions such as Galicia and northern Extremadura. Temperatures in the Ebro region and the Cantabrian Sea areas are expected to increase, while Galicia and Huelva will see a slight dip in maximum temperatures.
As a precautionary measure, residents and visitors in the Canary Islands, particularly Lanzarote, should stay informed about air quality levels and follow health and safety advice provided by local authorities during this calima event.
