“Calima Alert: Canary Islands Heatwave Warning”

Britons vacationing in the Canary Islands have been alerted to the presence of dust clouds and high temperatures this week, as the Spanish government issues a pre-alert status. Spain’s national weather agency, Aemet, has issued yellow warnings for all the Canary Islands, including La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. These warnings are due to ‘calima,’ a weather phenomenon where Saharan dust sweeps in from Western Africa, affecting visibility across the islands. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly, with Gran Canaria reaching highs of 36C and possibly even 37C. The other islands are forecasted to experience temperatures up to 34C, particularly in south and southwest regions. These temperature alerts are in place until 8pm on Tuesday, September 16, while the calima warnings extend until midnight on Wednesday, September 17. The government of the Canary Islands has issued a pre-alert due to the potential health risks associated with calima, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions. The public is advised to take necessary precautions. Looking ahead to Tuesday, September 16, Aemet predicts predominantly clear skies with the possibility of calima affecting various areas, particularly in the south. Temperature variations are expected across different island regions. Moderate winds, predominantly from the east, are anticipated in elevated areas.