You have probably heard of it and if you haven’t heard of it, you probably have seen it and wondered: what is the calima? Calima is a meteorological phenomenon which is characterized by a warm and dry wind that carries sand and dust from the Sahara Desert. Calima can reduce visibility, cause respiratory problems and damage crops.
How and when does a calima happen?
The calima occurs when high pressure systems over the Azores and the Sahara interact, generating strong winds that can reach up to 80 km/h. This phenomenon can last for several days and is most frequent during the winter months, from November to March.
Should I be worried?
The calima affects not only the visibility but also the air quality, as the sand and dust particles can reach high concentrations and irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs of sensitive individuals. People with respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of Calima. I am a sensitive person myself, so when there’s a strong calima announced I try to stay indoors with my windows shut. I experience a soar troat and burning eyes, but above all; strong allergies.
What to do when there’s a strong calima?
To protect themselves, residents and visitors are advised to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible. They should also keep windows and doors closed and use air filters to improve indoor air quality. Wearing masks and using nasal sprays can also help to reduce the risk of respiratory problems.
The calima also affects the local economy, as it can cause damage to crops and reduce the production of fruits and vegetables. The tourism industry may also suffer, as the Calima can reduce the visibility and quality of the beaches and other tourist attractions.
A lot of times, when there’s simply a mild calima, you will notice the sky is just not very clear, but it won’t bother you. If you are sensitive though, it’s probably better to stay indoors and postpone your hiking plans! Apps you can use to monitor the quality of the air are BreezoMeter and AirVisual.
I was using IQAir to track calimas. They have apps for Android and iPhone and they have a website also.
Overall the air quality in Gran Canaria is pretty good and the government will issue warnings when there’s a bad haze coming.
The calima of February 2020
In February 2020 we’ve had the worst calima in over 40 years. Airports were closed, parts of carnaval were cancelled and it was recommended to stay indoors. This does NOT represent an average haze, so don’t worry too much about it. The pics are pretty awesome though, check them below!
Are you a remote worker in Las Palmas?
Are you, or are you planning to be a digital nomad in Gran Canaria and you’re not a member yet of our community for remote workers? Join here! besides digital nomads and remote workers, we are also welcoming expats, local entrepreneurs and other individuals who are looking to connect with an international community of professionals.
The Live it up, Las Palmas! community is using Slack as a communication tool. The Slack group is split up into different channels and is moderated actively, to keep communication simple and organized. It’s used to share events, find sports buddies, discover new restaurants, rent a car together, find exclusive community discounts and much more! Live it up, Las Palmas! is your starting point for an amazing time in Gran Canaria. See you there!