What is calima in Fuerteventura

The Canary island has a particularly favorable climate throughout the year, recognized as the place with the best climate in the world, except for Calima in Fuerteventura.

This mild climate all year round creates a state of well-being, which is even reflected in its inhabitants.

People are much more sociable, cheerful, courteous, open and with a great desire to live the day.

Yet in the Canary Islands a particular atmospheric phenomenon is the Calima, which with climate change is often more frequent than at other times of the year.

The easternmost Canary Islands, such as Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, are the most affected due to their proximity to the African continent.

In some cases, Calima in Fuerteventura , as in other islands, has even forced flights to be diverted to other islands in the archipelago.

As in 2020, due to a Calima storm in Fuerteventura, Carnival celebrations in its capital, Puerto del Rosario, were cancelled .

 

What is Calima?

The calima is a particular atmospheric phenomenon of the Canary Islands, particularly the easternmost ones such as Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

It is a sirocco wind (hot and dry) coming from the southeast, from the Sahara Desert, caused by the formation of a high pressure area in North Africa. 

Calima brings with it, in addition to hot African air, dust and sand, which produces a constant haze and sudden rises in temperatures.

In this days the yellowish, pink-tinged dust is very fine and manages to pass through closed doors and windows, while outside, visibility drops to almost zero and the air becomes heavy.

The phenomenon of Calima in Fuerteventura is quite frequent, although it is generally limited to the spring and summer months.

Its effects usually stop in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean although when the phenomenon is particularly intense, they can even reach the Caribbean.

Over the millennia, the calima has been the main architect of the creation of particular ecosystems, creating wonderful natural landscapes.

The aftermath of Calima has created magical places such as the Corralejo Dunes in Fuerteventura and the Maspalomas Dunes on the island of Gran Canaria.

 

When does Calima occur and how long does it last?

This phenomenon is generally felt more in Fuerteventura, being the Canary Island closest to the African continent.

The Calima in Fuerteventura is most noticeable in the summer and spring months, but can occur at any time of the year for about 3 or 4 days.

The months of July and August are the most likely for this phenomenon to occur, as they coincide with sandstorms in the Sahara, but lately it appears in different months of the year.

Calima is a term that derives from the Latin, its etymology is caligo which means fog/darkness and defines its optical effect.

When there is precipitation during the Calima, so-called “ red rain” also occurs , which contains particles of dust or sand.

In addition to reducing visibility and increasing temperatures, the calima can affect the respiratory system, causing itching, a stuffy nose, headaches, and coughing.

In more severe cases, when it is very strong, it can cause asthma and chest pain in people who already have respiratory problems.

 

What are the consequences of Calima?

The health consequences of calima are truly numerous, as it causes:

• nasal obstruction and itchy eyes
• cough, difficulty breathing (dangerous for asthmatics)
• allergies, migraines, dry cough.

Hot winds can carry, in addition to sand and dust, also microscopic particles of bacteria, pollen, fungi, and pollutants (from the industries of Morocco and Algeria).

It is also important to note that aspiration of solid particles can generate inflammatory responses in the circulatory system.

In other words, there is a risk that the symptoms of chronic cardiovascular disease may worsen.

Therefore, during the calima days, it is essential to try not to leave the house unless strictly necessary and to keep doors and windows closed.

The most vulnerable people are pregnant women, the elderly, children, and patients with emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or allergies.

If exposure has been very prolonged, they may suffer from repeated coughing or shortness of breath in people with respiratory problems.

People with problems such as anxiety or stress should also pay more attention, as this is a situation that could lead to a crisis episode.

 

How to defend yourself from Calima?

To protect yourself from calima, health authorities always recommend avoiding leaving your home as much as possible and keeping doors and windows closed.

However, to protect yourself from the consequences of calama, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and wear face masks when going outdoors.

These should preferably be of the FFP2 type, which guarantees greater filtering capacity and therefore greater protection.

It is important to avoid exercising outdoors , especially if you suffer from respiratory problems, to avoid inhaling contaminated air.

House dust should be cleaned with a damp cloth, and if you experience significant discomfort, you should go to the emergency room.

One tip is to wash your eyes with a saline solution and use artificial tears more frequently to keep your eyes well hydrated.

Avoid scratching your eyes even if they are itchy, as dust particles can damage the surface of the eye.

Despite this weather event, the island of Fuerteventura, in all its beauty, is a favorite destination for many tourists and a second home for spending the harsh European winters.