Calima in the Canary Islands today LIVE
Calima is affecting the Canary Islands today, with the most Saharan dust over El Hierro (96 µg/m³). Currently affected: El Hierro, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura. The sky can turn hazy and orange and air quality drops — sensitive groups should take care.
Saharan dust across the Canary Islands right now
Live Saharan dust (calima) level on each island, from Copernicus CAMS. Tap an island for its 3-day dust forecast.
Download today's map (PNG) Free to use in articles and posts, with a credit and a link to CanaryForecast.com.
Islands ranked by Saharan dust today
- El Hierro Light calima 96 µg/m³
- Gran Canaria Light calima 56 µg/m³
- Lanzarote Light calima 52 µg/m³
- Fuerteventura Light calima 51 µg/m³
- Tenerife No calima 42 µg/m³
- La Gomera No calima 31 µg/m³
- La Palma No calima 25 µg/m³
Frequently asked questions
What is calima?
Calima is a haze of fine dust and sand carried to the Canary Islands from the Sahara Desert by easterly winds. It can turn the sky milky or orange, cut visibility and raise dust levels in the air.
Is calima dangerous?
Light calima is mainly a visibility and comfort issue. During strong episodes, fine dust (PM10) can irritate eyes and airways — people with asthma or heart conditions should limit outdoor effort, and everyone benefits from keeping windows closed.
When is calima most common in the Canary Islands?
Calima can occur in any season but is most frequent and intense from late autumn to early spring, and again in summer, when Saharan air reaches the islands.
Snow The sunniest Canary Island right now Weather map
Air-quality data: contains modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) information.