8 Nov, 2024 @ 06:00
1 min read

‘Calima’ weather phenomenon to blanket winter holiday hotspot in Spain this weekend – sparking risk of forest fires

CARRY ON CALIMA: Sahara sand calima returns to Spain’s Andalucia
CARRY ON CALIMA: Sahara sand calima returns to Spain’s Andalucia

A MAJOR winter destination in Spain is expected to be hit by the so-called calima weather phenomenon this weekend.

The thick haze of Saharan dust will cover much of the Canary Islands, and already began arriving on Thursday.

According to weather experts at El Tiempo, the billions of suspended dust particles will move from east to west across the archipelago over the next few days.

The haze, which turns the sky orange, can cause concern among locals when accompanied by high temperatures.

This weekend will see highs of up to 30C across the islands and humidity below 30% – creating favourable conditions for fires.

The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands has activated a ‘pre-alert’ for the risk of forest blazes, especially in La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

On Friday, the haze will advance rapidly, covering almost all the Canary Islands.

By Sunday, the phenomenon is expected to diminish, reportes El Tiempo.

Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities during intense episodes of calima and to close their doors and windows.

It is also advised to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Laurence Dollimore

Laurence Dollimore is a Spanish-speaking, NCTJ-trained journalist with almost a decade’s worth of experience.
The London native has a BA in International Relations from the University of Leeds and and an MA in the same subject from Queen Mary University London.
He earned his gold star diploma in multimedia journalism at the prestigious News Associates in London in 2016, before immediately joining the Olive Press at their offices on the Costa del Sol.
After a five-year stint, Laurence returned to the UK to work as a senior reporter at the Mail Online, where he remained for two years before coming back to the Olive Press as Digital Editor in 2023.
He continues to work for the biggest newspapers in the UK, who hire him to investigate and report on stories in Spain.
These include the Daily Mail, Telegraph, Mail Online, Mail on Sunday and The Sun and Sun Online.
He has broken world exclusives on everything from the Madeleine McCann case to the anti-tourism movement in Tenerife.

GOT A STORY? Contact newsdesk@theolivepress.es or call +34 951 273 575 Twitter: @olivepress

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Former minister faces corruption probe over Covid-19 mask contract scandal and 'kick-back gift' of a house in Spain's Andalucia
Previous Story

Former minister faces corruption probe over Covid-19 mask contract scandal and ‘kick-back gift’ of a house in Spain’s Andalucia

Next Story

Earthquake alert for Portugal and Spain: Experts warn catastrophic 1755 disaster is at risk of repeating itself as buildings are not prepared

Latest from Canary Islands

Go toTop

More From The Olive Press