Tenerife is once again experiencing calima this week, the well-known warm dust haze coming from the Sahara. According to the Spanish weather agency AEMET, temperatures across the Canary Islands are expected to rise over the coming days, with the south of Tenerife likely to see temperatures reaching around or above 32 degrees Celsius.
Fine dust particles from the Sahara
The change has been noticeable since today, Wednesday. In the north of Tenerife, clouds are still lingering, especially below an altitude of around 1,200 metres. Some light drizzle is even possible there during the morning hours. Later in the day, the skies are expected to clear. In the south and along the coast, conditions will remain mostly sunny, although light calima may become visible in the higher southern areas.
Calima occurs when fine dust particles from the Sahara are carried towards the Canary Islands by warm air currents. This often creates a yellowish or greyish haze in the atmosphere and can sometimes reduce visibility. For healthy people, mild calima is usually more of an inconvenience, but for older adults and people with respiratory or heart conditions, it can be more problematic.
Wind remains an important factor
Weather forecasts indicate that temperatures will continue to rise towards Friday and into the weekend. The south of Tenerife, parts of Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura may all experience temperatures exceeding 32 degrees. In some inland or mid-altitude areas of the archipelago, temperatures of up to 34 degrees are even expected.
Wind also remains an important factor. In Tenerife, northerly winds may range from moderate to locally strong, especially along the east coast and in the far northwest. At sea, moderate to rough conditions are forecast, with northeast winds and waves of up to two metres. Anyone planning a boat trip is advised to check local conditions beforehand.
Sunny weather and high temperatures
For residents and visitors, especially those aged 50 and over, caution is recommended. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day, and keep windows closed when the dusty air becomes clearly noticeable. People with asthma, COPD, or heart conditions should remain particularly alert and follow medical advice or medication routines if necessary.
Although this calima episode is currently described as relatively mild, meteorologists warn that conditions could still change later in the week. The possible formation of a new DANA weather system near mainland Spain may affect air circulation patterns, potentially pushing even more warm Saharan air towards the islands.
For Tenerife, this means sunnier weather and higher temperatures, but also a temporary decline in air quality. Anyone planning excursions over the coming days is advised to choose the cooler morning hours.
Photo: AI ChatGPT
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