What is Calima? Definition & Risks
Everything you need to know about the Saharan dust phenomenon: definition, health, and forecast
What is calima?
Calima is the Spanish word for atmospheric haze. In the Canary Islands it refers to suspended Saharan dust that causes hazy skies, elevated PM10 and reduced visibility. Episodes are most frequent from January to March.
How long does it last?
Episodes typically last 3 to 5 days. Mild events clear in 1 to 2 days; intense episodes can persist up to a fortnight. Intensity peaks in the first 1 to 2 days before gradually improving.
Health effects
Elevated PM10 may cause dry cough, eye and throat irritation, or breathing discomfort. People with asthma, COPD, heart conditions, children and the elderly may be more affected. During intense episodes, health authorities recommend FFP2 masks and closed windows; consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.
Where does it occur?
Affects all Canary Islands, with Fuerteventura and Lanzarote most exposed due to their proximity to Africa. Episodes occur year-round. Dust originates in the Sahara and travels across the Atlantic via the Saharan Air Layer.
Where does the dust come from?
Calima dust originates in the Sahara Desert, primarily Mauritania, Western Sahara, and Mali. The Saharan Air Layer carries fine particles 1,500–4,000 km westward over the Atlantic on southerly to easterly winds, reaching the Canaries within 24–48 hours.
Calima vs sirocco
Calima is a suspension of Saharan dust over the Canary Islands; sirocco is a hot, dusty wind blowing from the Sahara across the Mediterranean to southern Europe. Both originate in Africa but cover different regions and are distinct phenomena.
What is Calima exactly?
Calima is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by high concentrations of suspended dust and sand particles from the Sahara Desert. It is not just 'sand': it is a dry aerosol containing quartz, clay, and sometimes pollutants, which reduces visibility and affects air quality in the Canary Islands. Calima is sometimes spelled 'kalima' (both refer to the same Saharan dust phenomenon).
Calima Meaning and Origin
The word 'calima' is Spanish for atmospheric haze or murkiness; the yellowish, milky sky caused by suspended particles reducing visibility. While the term can describe any dust haze, in the Canary Islands it almost exclusively refers to Saharan dust events. It appears in official weather forecasts from AEMET and is widely used across the Spanish-speaking world to describe this phenomenon.
Origin and Causes
It originates in the Sahara when strong winds lift sand into the atmosphere. Easterly winds (Sirocco) carry this massive dust cloud towards the Canaries. It is most intense in winter (especially January and February) when the trade winds weaken.
Difference from Fog and Smog
Unlike fog (water condensation) or smog (urban pollution), calima is dry desert dust. It is characterized by a reddish or orange sky and reduced visibility without high humidity.
Symptoms and Health Effects
Calima can affect health. PM10 particles may cause symptoms such as dry cough, eye irritation, throat itching, and breathing discomfort. Sensitive groups (asthma, COPD, allergies, children, and elderly) may be more affected. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms. Always follow guidance from official health authorities.
Cleaning & Care Guide
Calima dust is abrasive and can damage surfaces if not cleaned properly. Special care is needed for vehicles and homes.
🚗 Car Care
- Do not use windshield wipers without water (scratches glass).
- Rinse with plenty of water first to remove bulk dust.
- Avoid rubbing the paint while dry.
- Check engine air filters after severe episodes.
🏠 Home Maintenance
- Keep windows and doors closed to prevent dust entry.
- Use damp cloths for cleaning surfaces (avoid dry sweeping).
- Clean AC filters as they can get clogged quickly.
- Cover outdoor pools or furniture if possible.
Alert Levels
Air quality levels are classified according to PM10 particle concentration: Good (0-20 µg/m³), Moderate (21-50 µg/m³), Unfavorable (51-150 µg/m³) and Very Unfavorable (>150 µg/m³). During unfavorable or very unfavorable levels, protection protocols are activated and advisories are issued to the population.
Calima Today in Canary Islands
Check the current Calima status today. Real-time Saharan dust map, hourly forecast for Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and all islands. Live updates.
Check Your Location
Select an island to see real-time calima status and forecast.
Historical Episodes
The Canary Islands have experienced memorable episodes that paralyzed the archipelago. Notable events:
Algerian sandstorm with a 1,000 km front. PM10 peaked at 1,400 µg/m³ in south Tenerife; yellow alert on all 8 islands and flight disruptions across the archipelago. Most intense 2026 episode to date, but well below the February 2020 record.
Source: AEMET / Canarias7 / RTVCWinter 2023-24: warmest on record. Calima present on 85% of days between December and February.
Source: AEMET Resumen Climatológico'Christmas Calima'. Poor air quality during holidays. Official recommendation to avoid outdoor activities.
Source: Gobierno de CanariasStorm Celia. Severe mud rain. Widespread respiratory issues and vehicle damage.
Source: AEMET SinobasSecond most intense in recent records. Flight cancellations and diversions. Red air quality alert activated.
Source: CSIC / AEMETCalima del Carnaval, 22–26 February 2020. PM10 peaked at 5,254 µg/m³ in Gran Canaria — the highest concentration recorded in Spain. Canary Islands airports closed; Carnival and schools suspended.
Source: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics