Humidity has barely reached 35 percent and temperatures refuse to drop below 22 degrees Celsius. The horizon has transformed into an ochre wall. Breathing outdoors is, at best, an act of faith.
The pollution index is expected to keep rising throughout the evening, peaking at 94 points around 2:00 AM. Forecasters say it will not be until Thursday that wind clears the skies and returns the Air Quality Index (AQI) to a healthy level of 31 points.
Air quality is an underappreciated risk on Gran Canaria. Authorities rarely communicate Calima events proactively. Residents and visitors are well advised to check the daily Air Quality Index.
For people with heart or respiratory conditions, the situation is particularly dangerous. The Canary Islands government recommends: keep windows and doors closed, avoid physical exertion outdoors, and stay well hydrated.
The phenomenon is not new — Calima occurs on Gran Canaria several times a year, especially during winter and spring months. What is unusual is the scale: 133 µg/m³ PM10 is an exceptional reading even by Canarian standards.
For tourism, the Calima causes real economic damage. Sun-seeking holidaymakers find a hazy, dusty wall instead of blue skies. Complaints and cancellations tend to rise during such periods — a topic tourism authorities prefer to handle quietly.
Source: Maspalomas24h, Meteoblue air quality data · cita.news