Else Beekman
A fresh wave of calima is set to reach Spain in the coming hours, bringing dust-laden skies and the potential for mud rain. This atmospheric phenomenon, caused by southerly winds carrying Saharan dust, will mainly impact the southeastern regions of the country.
Which areas will be most affected?
A small low-pressure system forming in the Gulf of Cádiz will generate southerly winds that transport large amounts of suspended dust towards the Iberian Peninsula. The first signs of calima will appear in Melilla on Tuesday afternoon, gradually spreading towards eastern Andalucia, Murcia, and the southern part of the Valencian Community by Wednesday.
By Wednesday morning, cities such as Málaga, Granada, Almería, Murcia, and Alicante could wake up to hazy, yellowish skies due to high concentrations of dust. While the calima might also extend to other parts of Andalucia, southern Castilla-La Mancha, and even the Balearic Islands, the southeastern regions will be the most heavily affected.
What is a calima?
A calima is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when a large amount of dust and sand particles are carried by strong winds, often from the Sahara Desert, and suspended in the atmosphere. This can significantly reduce visibility. It creates a hazy, sometimes orange-tinted atmosphere. Calimas are common in the Canary Islands. There, they can cause various inconveniences, such as respiratory issues for people with pre-existing conditions and disruptions to daily activities due to the reduced visibility
How long will the calima last?
Although the calima is expected to persist throughout Wednesday, its intensity will gradually decrease as the Saharan dust moves away. However, some areas might experience mud rain, a phenomenon that occurs when dust particles mix with precipitation, leaving a layer of reddish-brown residue on surfaces.
Where could mud rain occur?
The possibility of mud rain is highest in the interior regions of eastern Andalucia and parts of Murcia. In these zones meteorologists forecast scattered showers for Wednesday afternoon. If rain does fall in these areas, it will likely carry dust particles, resulting in muddy deposits on cars, streets, and buildings.
The latest severe episode of mudrain was in March 2022 in Andalucia. It was so much that many ‘white villages’ in the southern region changed from shiny white to dirty brown. For weeks, facade cleaners and painters struggled to keep up with the surge in requests to remove mud from buildings. In the Alpujarras, the tourist villages of Pampaneira, Bubión, Capileira, and Trevélez even feared that the grimy appearance might deter visitors. Nearly three years later, only a few empty, brown-stained houses remain as a reminder of that episode.
What to expect?
High dust concentrations can significantly reduce air quality, leading to respiratory discomfort, especially for individuals with asthma or allergies. Additionally, the dense haze may lower visibility on roads, requiring drivers to exercise extra caution. Another consequence of this phenomenon is the accumulation of fine reddish dust on vehicles, buildings, and outdoor furniture, particularly in areas where mud rain occurs.
Is a calima harmful?
A calima can be harmful, especially for people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The dust and sand particles carried by the wind can cause respiratory issues. Think of coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can lead to bronchospasm, chest pain, and asthma attacks.
Additionally, the dust can carry microscopic particles of bacteria, fungi, and pollutants, which can exacerbate health problems. Health authorities advise people with sensitive conditions to stay indoors and keep windows closed. Wearing masks is also a solution if they need to go outside.
For most people, a calima is more of an inconvenience than a serious health threat, but it’s always good to take precautions.
Check this website for a map with the current position of calima.