The Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Emergencies, activates the pre-alert for calima From the 00:00 this Sunday in the islands of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, due to the arrival of suspended dust that will coincide with the heat wave. To learn how the heat wave affects different regions, you can consult our Article on the calima in the Canary Islands and the southeast of the peninsula.
The decision is made based on the information from the AEMET and other specialized sources, and is part of the PEFMA (Specific Emergency Plan for the Canary Islands due to the Risk of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena). Saharan dust will reduce visibility and may affect people with chronic or respiratory pathologies.
Scope and extent of the calima episode
The forecast indicates that the calima will affect at a superficial level en Lanzarote and FuerteventuraWhereas in Gran Canaria and Tenerife will focus on the midlands and high areas. They are expected concentrations between 50 and 200 μg/m³, with a significant reduction in visibility in the most exposed sections.
According to the models consulted by the authorities, the suspended particles could vary in the form irregular by islands and time zones, with greater accumulation in the central hours of the day and when the wind blows from the east and southeast.
This scenario requires extreme caution road precautions, in operations such as overtaking or joining roads with dust fog, as well as moderating outdoor physical activity in the most affected areas.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: dust in surface and more compromised visibility near the coast and low inland.
- Gran Canaria and Tenerife: higher particle load in medium and high altitudes, with banks of calima in the midlands.
Emergency authorities remind that suspended dust can aggravate symptoms in sensitive people and cause eye discomfort, so it is recommended to apply the self-protection measures usual.
Weather forecast: temperatures, humidity and wind
This Sunday is expected heat peak of the episode, with maximum temperatures that will reach or exceed 35–40 ºC in much of the archipelago. Locally, they are not ruled out 41–44 ºC in the interior of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, And in the southern and western midlands de Gran Canaria and TenerifeTo understand how wind influences these conditions, it is advisable to consult our Article on wind and incidents in Spain.
The nights will be very warm in the interior and in mid-high areas, with minimum temperatures above 25–30 ºC and areas where thermometers may not drop below 28–30 ºCThis situation can make it difficult to rest and increase the thermal stress.
La RH will be located below the 30% from the 300–500 meters of altitude and the thermal inversion It will appear at a low altitude, conditions that favor the maintenance of dust in certain layers of the atmosphere.
The wind will blow from east and southeast component, light to moderate, while on the coast the temperature will remain alisio. These circulations can drag Saharan dust towards the islands and maintain reduced visibility in certain corridors.
The prediction models analyzed by AEMET and other organizations point to a significant drop in temperatures from Thursdays, although the administrations will continue monitoring the evolution to adjust the measures if necessary.
Health and visibility risks
The presence of suspended dust can cause ocular irritation, discomfort in the nose and throat, and respiratory distress, especially in people with asthma, COPD, or other chronic illnesses. They are also expected visibility reductions affecting driving and outdoor activities.
It is advisable to pay special attention to vulnerable groups (elderly people, minors, pregnant women and respiratory patients), avoiding prolonged exposure to the outside during times of worse air quality.
Self-protection measures and recommendations
The General Directorate of Emergencies urges the population to follow the self protection tips to minimize health risks and prevent fires during this episode of haze and heat.
- Limit Intense outdoor physical activity and seeking ventilated environments and fresh.
- CLOSE doors and windows when dust increases; ventilate in the best hours of the day
- To hydrate frequently, avoid alcohol and very large meals, and pay attention to vulnerable people.
- If you drive, increase the safety distance and reduce speed before low visibility.
- Do not burn, do not throw cigarette butts and respect closures and restrictions in forest areas.
The Island Councils have applied or may apply preventive measures within the framework of the current meteorological situation, such as the closure of access to the mountain and the suspension of public activities in risk environments.
Situation by island and monitoring
La pre-alert for calima affects Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Although La Palma is outside this measure, the island maintains a high risk of fires due to the heat, low humidity and wind, which is why the restricciones in forest areas and the importance of avoiding any risky behavior is recalled.
The authorities insist on maintaining the caution, follow the official channels and be alert to new updates of the AEMET and the General Directorate of Emergencies, especially if they are prolonged haze and the episode of high temperatures.
