The Government of the Canary Islands has activated the pre-alert for calima since the afternoon of Saturday, September 6 in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, after assessing the data from Aemet and the regional PEFMA plan. The episode will extend over the weekend and will continue with yellow notice in the province of Las Palmas on Monday.
The entry of saharan dust mainly at altitude, with intrusions into mid-mountain areas and, occasionally, into coastal areas. In addition to reducing visibility up to around 3.000 meters, the phenomenon can aggravate symptoms in people with respiratory pathologies and other sensitive groups, so it is recommended to follow self-protection guidelines.
Pre-alert and yellow warning: where and when
Emergencies decreed the measure starting at 18 pm on Saturday in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria, in coordination with the General Directorate of Emergencies and in application of the Specific Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA), according to the detailed forecast for the Canary Islands.
La Aemet maintains the yellow warning due to suspended dust throughout Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and in Gran Canaria affecting peaks and slopes of the east, south and westThe warning will remain in effect through Monday.
Forecasts indicate that visibility could be around 3.000 m, with a probability of impact scenario between 40% and 70%The concentration of particles will vary depending on the time of day and the terrain.
The calima will tend to concentrate in the high areas facing south, without ruling out occasional drops to low-lying areas when wind dynamics change. Surface intrusions could be more noticeable in exposed streets and valleys.
Expected evolution and visibility
The episode will continue for the Sunday and much of Monday, with fluctuations throughout the day. The highest concentration of particles is expected during the central hours and on leeward slopes.
The health effects will be most noticeable among asthmatics, children and the elderly, as well as those with COPD or other chronic conditions. It is advisable to limit exertion, stay hydrated, and use respiratory protection if the concentration is high.
Reduced visibility can affect mobility, especially on exposed roads and summit access points. On the road, it is advisable to drive with caution, increase the safety distance and keep the lights on when visibility does not exceed 3.000 m.
The origin of the episode is an advection of saharan dust that the trade winds channel toward the archipelago. The local intensity will depend on the pressure gradient and atmospheric stability.
Temperatures, winds and sea conditions
The highs will move around 30-32 ºC in the eastern islands and south of Gran Canaria, with local peaks of up to 34 ° C in the midlands of southern Gran Canaria. Minimum temperatures will show little change.
Dominance of northeast trade wind Moderate on the coast, with lighter winds in the midlands and high areas, where they can shift to south/southeasterly components at certain intervals.
Winds are forecast at sea from the NE strength 4-5, with occasional streaks of 6 and sea ​​state between rough and strong swell. On the southwest and south coasts, the wind may be variable from 1 to 3 with marejadillaThere will be a swell from the north with waves of 1-2 meters.
The atmosphere will be embarrassment due to suspended dust. The trade winds will ease the heat in exposed areas, but will stiffen the waves in open areas.
Island by island: what to expect
Lanzarote: Generally partly cloudy skies with a higher chance of haze in the afternoon. Temperatures will rise slightly and possible 30-32 ºC in the south interior. Light to moderate northeasterly winds on the coast and light southeasterly winds inland.
Fuerteventura: Partly cloudy, with suspended dust increasing from the second half of the day. Maximum temperatures will rise, reaching 30-32 ºC in inland areas of the south. Light to moderate northeasterly winds on the coast and light southeasterly winds inland.
Gran Canaria: Low cloud intervals in the north in the early and late hours, clearing elsewhere. With a low probability, clouds will form inland with some isolated showerCalima mainly in the midlands; maximums of 30-32 ºC in the south and peaks of 34 ° C in the midlands. Moderate trade winds on the coast and light south/southeasterly winds in high areas.
Tenerife: : generally partly cloudy or clear, with intervals in the north at the beginning and end of the day. No significant haze is expected; southern midlands Temperatures may exceed 30-32 ºC. Moderate northeasterly winds on the coast and light southerly/southeasterly winds at high altitudes.
La Gomera: stable, with low clouds in the north. Temperatures are rising slightly and winds are likely. NE Moderate on the coast; light wind from the southeast in the midlands. Haze unlikely.
La Palma: : generally clear, with low clouds in the north and east in the early and late hours. The following temperatures may be reached: 30 ° C in El Paso. Moderate trade winds on the coast; light easterly/southeasterly winds in high altitudes. No significant haze.
El Hierro: stable day, with slight rise in temperatures, wind NE Moderate winds on the coast and light winds in the southeast at higher altitudes. Suspended dust is unlikely.
To minimize risks, authorities recommend following the self protection tips During the episode: reduce outdoor exposure, keep indoors ventilated only when air quality permits, and avoid strenuous exertion.
- Keep closed doors and windows to limit the entry of dust.
- Avoid going out if you suffer from asthma or respiratory diseases; have medication on hand.
- To hydrate frequently and avoid dry environments; use glasses/artificial tears if eye irritation occurs.
- Restrict the intense physical exercise outdoors and consider filtering masks if the concentration increases.
- On the road, extreme caution, turn on the lights and reduce speed in limited visibility.
With the pre-alert in force With the yellow warning active in the province of Las Palmas, the calima episode will leave cloudy air, reduced visibility, and moderate heat on the easternmost islands, while the rest of the archipelago will remain mostly stable with limited impact. It is advisable to follow official information from Aemet and Emergencies for any updates.
