The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has activated a yellow warning this Sunday due to the arrival of calima—dust in suspension from the Sahara—affecting several Canary Islands.
Areas Affected
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: The dust cloud will cover the islands in their entirety.
- Gran Canaria: The phenomenon will primarily impact the summit regions and the east, south, and west of the island. Visibility will be reduced to around 3,000 metres, particularly in southern-facing high-altitude areas. However, Aemet has not ruled out reduced visibility in low-lying areas 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 emphasises that specific activities may be affected, particularly those involving outdoor work, transport, or sensitive groups such as people with respiratory conditions.
Context
Episodes of calima are recurrent in the Canary Islands, typically resulting in:
- Reduced visibility for drivers and air traffic.
- Air quality deterioration due to fine dust particles.
- Health risks for vulnerable groups, especially those with asthma or other respiratory illnesses.
This latest alert underscores the continuing impact of Saharan dust intrusions on the archipelago’s daily life and environment, as authorities remind residents and tourists to remain cautious during the event.
