The sky over much of Spain could be tinged with orange tones this week due to the arrival of a dense mass of Saharan air. approaching from North Africa. Atmospheric conditions caused by a nearby low pressure system will cause suspended dust to reach high levels, resulting in haze episodes that will be visible especially starting Wednesday. To learn more about this phenomenon, you can consult the article on haze.
The phenomenon is expected to mainly affect the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with cloudy skies and reduced visibility in several regions.Furthermore, the rains expected in the coming days could mix with the Saharan dust in the air, generating the so-called mud rains or "blood rain," as some popularly call them.
The advance of the calima during the week
Everything will begin with the influence of a storm that, starting on Wednesday, will favor the entry of warm, dry air from the south., which will carry fine particles of sand and dust from the desert directly towards the peninsula. Throughout the day, In southern areas such as Andalusia, skies with a more reddish or orange hue could already be detected., perceptible to the naked eye. This phenomenon is studied in depth in our article on calima and DANA.
On Thursday, the haze will intensify and spread towards the center of the country., reaching communities such as Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid and Extremadura. By then, Much of the peninsula is expected to be under the influence of Saharan dust.In contrast, the northern peninsula will remain somewhat unaffected by the phenomenon, and the Canary Islands are not expected to be significantly affected.
Muddy rainfall in the midst of Operation Exit
Coinciding with the first wave of displacements for EasterThe arrival of rain will further complicate the road situation. This precipitation, far from clearing the atmosphere, will mix the water with the dust already present in the air, producing the well-known mud rain. This type of rain is a common phenomenon in spring, as explained in our post on the weather during Holy Week.
The areas most affected by this type of rain will be Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, Extremadura and southern Castilla y León.In these regions, the water will fall, carrying mineral particles that will leave brown or reddish stains on vehicles, windows, buildings, and exposed surfaces.
The phenomenon, although striking, is not new in the country.The so-called blood rain occurs when desert dust meets wet fronts, and Spain, especially during spring, experiences this type of episode relatively frequently.
In addition to the visual impact, these rains can make driving difficult., as mud on the road reduces grip and impairs visibility. Therefore, extreme caution is recommended, especially during long trips planned for the weekend.
Side effects of calima beyond the rain
The presence of suspended Saharan dust can also affect air quality.People with respiratory problems, allergies, or asthma may experience greater discomfort than usual due to the density of the particles. For more information on this topic, you can review our related article on saharan dust.
Health authorities generally recommend against physical exertion outdoors. when there are intense episodes of haze, as well as keeping doors and windows closed on days with the highest concentration of dust.
Likewise, Calima can alter the color of the sky, offering surprising images but also by reducing the amount of direct sunlight. This results in a more stifling environment, with a slightly higher than actual temperature, although temperatures won't experience such marked variations as with other weather phenomena.
What to expect in the coming days
As the weekend progresses, the haze could remain active at least until Friday., prolonging the likelihood of mud showers in many communities. This phenomenon will make its effects visible on windows, soil, and vehicles in urban and rural areas alike.
The situation will gradually improve starting this weekend., although it is not ruled out that some dust remains present in the upper atmosphere for a longer period. Everything will depend on the development of the storm responsible for this episode.
We are expecting a start to Holy Week marked by cloudy skies, precipitation and a completely Saharan atmosphere.The combination of warm, dry air and moisture will mean that the rains expected starting Thursday will not just be water, but will be tinged with that characteristic reddish hue of desert mud. You can find more details in our article on the Iberian oven.
Therefore, Preparing for preventive behaviors such as protecting the car, avoiding outdoor activities and checking traffic conditions will be key during these days..
