UK tourists warned as ‘intense’ dust cloud forecast for the Canary Islands

UK holidaymakers spending Christmas in the Canary Islands are warned of dust clouds descending upon the Spanish archipelago, which are set to ‘intensify’ during Christmas Eve.

The weather phenomenon is known as a ‘calima’ where dust from the Sahara is blown over the islands. It often occurs during the winter months and when combined with precipitation can even cause a phenomenon called ‘mud rain’.

It’s set to affect the Canary Islands in the coming days, with the eastern islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura hardest hit, according to local news site Canarian Weekly. The dust clouds come as a weather system moves westwards, which had brought storms, rain and hail over the weekend.

The calima is expected to become more intense throughout the day on Christmas Eve. Aemet, Spain’s national weather agency warned that it could “occasionally reduce visibility significantly in the eastern islands.” Windy conditions are also expected.

The haze will remain on Christmas Day, increasing as the day goes on. Forecasting for tomorrow, Aemet said: “Partly cloudy skies or with intervals of high clouds in the rest, and haze that will tend to increase throughout the day with possible significant concentrations on the surface.”

Temperatures are set to remain steady throughout the day, reaching highs of 25C in Gran Canaria and 24C in Tenerife. Moderate winds are forecast for the eastern islands, while the western islands can expect light winds.

By Boxing Day the calima is expected to ease, although conditions will remain cloudy and “light and occasional rain cannot be ruled out”.

For more of today's top stories, click here.