The calima descends on the Canary Islands and is more intense than expected

The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) activated a yellow weather warning yesterday for haze and strong winds in the Canary Islands for today and tomorrow with gusts expected to exceed 60km/h in the north of Tenerife and El Hierro. However, this warning has now been extended into Sunday, when an intense haze is forecast especially in the central islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

This afternoon, as predicted, the calima has descended on the islands and has already begun to affect some airports in the Archipelago by positioning itself over Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, as reported by AENA and AEMET on Twitter.

Specifically, suspended sand and dust particles have led to visibility of only 4,200 metres at the César Manrique airport, while in Fuerteventura t the visibility reaches 7,000 metres.

Due to the arrival of the haze and its intensity, the Ministry of Health has issued recommendations for the public to protect themselves with precautions such as avoiding being outside if unnecessary, keeping windows closed, and not exerting yourself outdoors.

Airborne dust contributes to drying out the airways and, in many cases, it can cause a worsening of conditions or symptoms related to respiratory diseases, such as asthma, in people with chronic obstructive disease (COPD) that increase visits to emergency services and hospital admissions in some cases.

Exposure to the haze can cause chest discomfort, coughing, palpitations, fatigue or increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, for at least five days after the onset of the calima.

HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS:
The following measures are recommended for people sensitive to this type of weather, such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases:

- Avoid going outside and keep doors and windows of houses closed.

- Clean dusty surfaces with damp cloths.

- Keep in a humid environment and regularly hydrate.

- Do not perform physical exercise outside.

- In case of worsening respiratory symptoms call 112.