The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds in Fuerteventura, which will remain in place throughout today, Tuesday.
Additionally, a calima advisory will come into effect for both today and tomorrow, Wednesday.
The island will experience easterly-southeasterly winds with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, particularly affecting the northern and western regions. These strong winds will generate dust storms, especially in inland areas. Conditions will become more challenging as the calima intensifies this afternoon.
By tomorrow, the wind warning will be lifted, but the calima alert will extend across Fuerteventura and much of the Canary archipelago. AEMET predicts significant dust intrusion, causing reduced visibility to below 3,000 metres, with the southern part of the island expected to face the most severe conditions.
Health Advisory and Recommendations
The Canary Islands Ministry of Health are advising vulnerable people to take precautions during the calima, which includes children, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Health experts recommend the following measures to minimise exposure and health risks:
Health Symptoms of the Calima:
Suspended dust particles can dry out the respiratory tract, leading to exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
In severe cases, this can result in increased visits to emergency departments or hospital admissions. Symptoms linked to dust exposure include:
The health advisory also warns that symptoms may persist for up to five days following exposure.
