CALIMA AND RAIN ON TENERIFE

Calima and rain on Tenerife mark a striking contrast in the weather pattern of the Canary Islands during the transition from November to December 2024.

While a blanket of Saharan dust fills the air with a suffocating haze and pushes temperatures higher, a rain front is soon expected to sweep over the islands. This typical autumn phenomenon highlights the remarkable volatility of the Canary Islands’ weather: from the dry, warm air of the calima to the refreshing, yet often turbulent rain showers that revive the natural landscape. For both residents and tourists, this not only poses a health challenge but also showcases Tenerife’s extraordinary versatility.

Calima and Rising Temperatures

This weekend, the archipelago will be affected by an air mass originating from the Western Sahara, raising temperatures up to five degrees above normal levels. The eastern islands will bear the brunt of this winter calima, which, despite its mild intensity, will degrade air quality, reduce visibility, and elevate temperatures.

David Suárez from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) in the Canary Islands warns of high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM10), which can lead to health problems. This phenomenon is caused by a high-pressure system situated between southern Spain and North Africa, driving easterly winds that carry desert dust to the archipelago.

The calima is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday. Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria will first experience rising temperatures, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius—significantly higher than the usual 20-21 degrees for this time of year. By Thursday, the northeastern part of Tenerife will also be affected.

Windy Days

In addition to the calima, strong winds will play a significant role. On Wednesday evening, gusty winds are expected at higher altitudes, possibly impacting Mount Teide. On Thursday, moderate winds with a southern component will affect mid-altitude and high-altitude areas of the islands, while light breezes will dominate coastal areas.

The calima, which often enters close to ground level during winter, will reduce visibility to 8-15 kilometers on the eastern islands—a moderate level of obstruction. However, air quality will deteriorate further, with PM10 levels exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended threshold of 50 micrograms per cubic meter.

Health Risks

A calima significantly impacts health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The dust dries out airways and can exacerbate conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This often results in increased emergency room visits and, in some cases, hospital admissions. Symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and a heightened susceptibility to infections may occur.

Vulnerable individuals are advised to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, clean dust-covered surfaces with a damp cloth, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor physical activity. If symptoms worsen, it is recommended to contact emergency services by dialing 112.

First Dust, Then Wind and Rain

The calima is expected to begin dissipating on Sunday, December 1, leading to a drastic change in weather conditions. Rain showers are anticipated in the western province, particularly on La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, and Tenerife, due to a storm front located north of the islands. According to Suárez, these abrupt weather changes are typical of the Canary Islands’ autumn.

However, in Tenerife’s southern regions, rainfall and wind will play a lesser role, with sunshine remaining the dominant feature.

Guy Devos © Photography
Calima and Rain on Tenerife ©