UK tourists in Canary Islands issued health warning amid extreme conditions

Holidaymakers in the Canary Islands are warned of a risk to health as the Spanish archipelago is hit by an extreme weather phenomenon. Dust clouds have swept across the islands, which has seen air quality levels reach “unhealthy conditions”.

The weather event is a ‘supercalima’, a severe Saharan dust storm which has been worsened by recent windy weather. According to the World Air Quality Index, the air quality in the Canary Islands is currently classified as “unhealthy” two levels below the hughes category of hazardous.

Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Gomera are the hardest hit, but air quality levels are still “moderate” across the other islands. Yellow weather warnings are also in force throughout the Canary Islands, issued by Aemet, Spain’s national weather agency.

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According to forecasters the calima is set to continue throughout today, although conditions should ease by tomorrow with no more weather warnings in place. On Monday the Canary Islands government declared a “state of pre-alert” in the archipelago ahead of the calima.

It warned that the dust posed a particular hazard to those with chronic respiratory diseases. Residents are urged to keep windows and doors closed, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and stay hydrated. Motorists are warned to use lights and drive slowly.

Calimas usually occur in the Canary Islands during the winter and spring months. When combined with rainfall, it can even cause a phenomenon called ‘mud rain’.

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