Orange Dust Cloud to Hit Canary Islands as Calima Alert Issued
An orange dust haze is set to impact the Canary Islands, prompting officials to issue a widespread calima alert across the popular holiday destination. The Canary Islands Government has activated a pre-alert starting from midday on Monday, 30 March 2026, as a dense plume of Saharan dust moves towards the islands.
Forecast Details and Expected Impact
Forecasters indicate that this is not a typical light dust haze. The air flow from the Sahara is predicted to be very strong, bringing a large volume of dust that will affect all islands, not just the eastern ones. Conditions are expected to build today and peak throughout Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
This calima will be thicker than usual, potentially turning the skies orange and significantly reducing visibility. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura will be the first islands affected, with the haze spreading to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and then the western islands later in the day today.
Health Risks and Official Precautions
By tomorrow, skies are anticipated to be heavily overcast with dust, giving them an orange tint. The Canarian Weekly online news site reports that temperatures may rise slightly due to the dry, warm air accompanying the dust cloud.
Fine dust particles can irritate the airways, particularly for individuals with asthma, allergies, or other breathing conditions. Officials are urging residents and visitors to take simple precautions to mitigate health risks:
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Avoid outdoor exercise during peak hours
- Wear a face covering if you have respiratory issues
- Drive carefully, as visibility may drop significantly
This alert highlights the importance of staying informed and prepared during such environmental events to ensure safety and well-being across the Canary Islands.
