The Canary Islands Government's official calima pre-alert remains in force today, Tuesday, with residents and tourists warned about reduced visibility and the possible health effects of Saharan dust.

It remains officially active in Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa, as Saharan dust continues to affect the eastern Canary Islands during the current spell of hot weather.

Calima occurs when fine dust and sand from the Sahara are carried across the Atlantic and suspended in the atmosphere over the Canary Islands.

It can produce the distinctive hazy or yellowish skies familiar to residents, but its effects go beyond simply obscuring the view.

High concentrations of suspended particles can reduce air quality and cause or aggravate problems for people with chronic illnesses or respiratory conditions.

The dust can also significantly reduce visibility, creating additional hazards for drivers, and depending on the intensity and altitude, for pilots.

Official advice during calima

The Canary Islands Directorate General of Emergencies advises people with chronic respiratory illnesses to keep doors and windows closed where possible and avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during periods of heavy dust.

People who rely on regular medication should make sure they have it available, while everyone is advised to remain well hydrated and avoid particularly dry environments.

Strenuous physical exercise should also be avoided while conditions are poor, especially by anyone vulnerable to the effects of reduced air quality. Anyone who begins feeling unwell should seek appropriate medical advice.

Drivers are being asked to take particular care because calima can considerably reduce visibility.

Official recommendations include switching on vehicle lights, reducing speed and allowing additional distance from other vehicles when visibility deteriorates.

The calima is particularly relevant this week because the Canary Islands are simultaneously experiencing unusually high temperatures and increased wildfire risk.

However, residents and visitors should be aware that the different emergency declarations refer to separate hazards.

A calima pre-alert concerns airborne Saharan dust and its effects on visibility and health, while the wildfire alert currently affecting several islands relates to the risk of forest fires caused by the combination of heat, low humidity and other weather conditions.

Hazy conditions should therefore not automatically be interpreted as smoke from a fire.

Tourists planning outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling or long walks should take both the heat and air quality into account before setting out.

Anyone staying in Gran Canaria, Lanzarote or Fuerteventura who suffers from asthma or another respiratory condition should pay particular attention to the official recommendations while the pre-alert remains active.

The situation will remain under review by the Canary Islands Government, which will officially end or modify the pre-alert when conditions allow.