The Canary Islands are set to experience a significant calima over Christmas, a weather phenomenon characterised by the presence of Saharan dust in the air, which could substantially reduce visibility, especially in the eastern islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), this dusty haze is expected to intensify from today, Tuesday (Christmas Eve), and persist until Friday.
This transition comes after a weekend marked by unusual weather conditions, including intense hailstorms in Fuerteventura, brought about by a DANA (isolated depression at high levels). As this system moves westward, leaving behind rain and storms in the western islands, the focus shifts to the dry and hazy conditions brought on by the calima.
Tuesday, Christmas Eve
The calima is expected to become more intense throughout the day, significantly affecting visibility in the eastern islands. Dust concentrations at ground level are likely to rise. Skies will generally remain clear, with some cloud intervals in the western islands, where light rain cannot be ruled out during early hours. Temperatures will rise slightly, with highs reaching 22°C. Winds will be moderate, shifting from east to southeast or south in higher altitudes.
Wednesday, Christmas Day
The calima will continue to affect visibility, particularly in the eastern islands and southern slopes of the central islands. Clear skies are expected in the eastern province, with some high clouds early in the day. In the western province, there will be occasional low clouds and a chance of light rain in northern Tenerife and inland La Palma. Temperatures will remain steady, with highs of 24°C in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and 25°C in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Winds will vary, with moderate southeast winds in Tenerife and the eastern islands and lighter winds in the smaller western islands.
Thursday, Boxing Day
The concentration of dust in the atmosphere is predicted to drop compared to earlier in the week. However, temperatures will drop slightly, particularly the daily highs. Winds will be light and predominantly from the north in mountainous islands, while eastern winds will persist elsewhere.
Friday, December 27th
The calima episode will continue, with dust levels again rising in the eastern islands. Despite this, there is a low probability of scattered afternoon showers in the larger islands. Winds will remain light in the western islands, shifting to moderate easterly winds in the eastern islands.
Precautions and Recommendations
AEMET advises residents and visitors to take necessary precautions during the calima, including limiting outdoor activities, particularly for people with respiratory conditions. Drivers should be vigilant as visibility on roads may be significantly reduced, and air quality is likely to deteriorate.
This calima episode adds a striking atmospheric dimension to the holiday season in the Canary Islands, reminding residents and tourists of the region's unique and sometimes challenging weather dynamics.
