Spain Issues Rare 'Blood Rain' Warning for Canary Islands as UK Tourists Face Health Risks
A massive plume of Saharan dust is sweeping across Spain, triggering a rare weather warning for the Canary Islands, a popular holiday destination for UK tourists. The phenomenon, known locally as 'calima,' is expected to bring hazy skies, reduced visibility, and potential health hazards, particularly for individuals with respiratory diseases.
Unusual Weather Phenomenon Brings Hazards and Mild Temperatures
The European Union holiday hotspot, which includes Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Majorca, Menorca, and Ibiza, is bracing for extreme conditions as a high-altitude isolated depression moves towards North Africa. This event is driving the calima, a hot and oppressive wind that carries dust from the Sahara Desert.
WX Advisory has issued a stark warning, stating: "Saharan dust is on the way to Iberia, this can pose some danger for those with respiratory diseases. It will arrive tomorrow and will peak on Wednesday/Thursday. The sky will be white-ish, with tints of orange where the dust is more abundant."
AEMET, Spain's meteorological agency, confirmed that dust in suspension will affect the Canary Islands starting Tuesday, spreading to the Peninsula. The agency explained: "Calima results in hazy skies and reduced visibility. It also worsens air quality due to microscopic particles, which can reach the respiratory tract."
Health Risks and Environmental Impact for Tourists
The rare phenomenon is not only a visual spectacle but also carries significant health risks. The microscopic particles in the dust can aggravate respiratory conditions, making it a concern for vulnerable tourists, including many from the UK who frequent the islands.
Additionally, the calima is accompanied by an unusually mild air mass, pushing daytime temperatures up to 25°C in southeastern areas and the Canary Islands. This combination of heat and dust creates challenging conditions for outdoor activities.
Lanzarote Information describes the experience during a calima: "During a calima the air turns a white or even a yellow colour and you can literally smell the sand in the air from the Desert. Visibility is reduced and there’s a kind of otherworldly quality to the light."
Historical Context and Unusual Side Effects
Calimas are not uncommon in the Canary Islands, typically occurring in the winter months when high pressure over the Sahara drives southerly winds towards Lanzarote, bringing Saharan temperatures and sand. However, this event is notable for its intensity and widespread impact.
The phenomenon often brings unexpected visitors, as noted by local sources: "Often strange insects accompany the winds – in recent years we have had locusts, ladybirds and dragonflies that arrive on the island. They rarely last for very long here, as there is so little for them to eat due to the desert nature of Lanzarote. Sometimes unusual birds are blown over on the wind as well, so look out for them."
Authorities are urging tourists and residents to take precautions, such as staying indoors during peak dust periods and using masks if necessary, to mitigate health risks. The Canary Islands are preparing to bear the brunt of these extreme conditions, with ongoing monitoring by meteorological agencies.
