What does the current calima mean for holidaymakers and residents?
The Canarian environment authority activated a calima pre-alert; locally, air quality was classified as “unfavourable” to “very unfavourable”.
For 14 October 2026, the primary source search available does not mention a new island-wide warning, a specific closure or an official deadline. The readings remain location-dependent; the current data from the Canarian monitoring network and any new AEMET and health warnings are therefore decisive.
For residents, expats and visitors, the report does not mention any additional fees, entry requirements, closures or application deadlines. Anyone affected should avoid strenuous physical activity and outdoor sport during heavy calima, stay indoors where possible, close windows, remove dust with damp cloths, drink enough water and continue taking prescribed medication.
How high were the PM10 levels during calima?
The Canarian environment ministry and the CSIC analysed measurements from 2024 to 2026. During calima, PM10 concentrations exceeded 100 µg/m³ over the study period; the highest reading was recorded on 31 March 2026 in southern Tenerife and on La Gomera at nearly 1,000 µg/m³.
By comparison, during earlier “super calimas” from 2020 to 2023, levels of up to 1,800 µg/m³ were measured, according to AirCanLab. Under normal trade wind conditions, daily average PM10 levels were between 15 and 25 µg/m³. Of that, around 70 percent was attributed to sea salt, 20 percent to Canarian vehicle emissions and 10 percent to pollutants transported across borders.
What health risks are associated with calima?
Studies by the CSIC and the University Hospital of the Canary Islands link the inhalation of Saharan dust with respiratory inflammation and increased mortality from heart disease, particularly among people over 60.
If breathing difficulties worsen, call 112. Current air quality can be checked via the Canarian air quality index and the government monitoring network.
What limits apply to PM10?
The legal daily PM10 limit for health protection is 50 µg/m³.
Calima episodes can last from one day to more than 14 days and can reach daily averages of over 600 µg/m³ PM10. During such episodes, levels are therefore well above the stated limit.
Where do the data come from and what is measured?
The AirCanLab project is run by the Canarian government and the Spanish research council CSIC. Since 2024, it has been studying the chemical composition of PM10 particles and distinguishing local pollutants from traffic and industry from natural contributions from the Sahara and sea salt.
In 2024, AirCanLab analysed more than 1,000 samples, according to the Gobierno de Canarias. La Graciosa serves as a reference for air carried by the trade winds, Puerto del Rosario as the entry point for Saharan dust, and the capitals of Gran Canaria and Tenerife as urban areas.
The results are intended to prepare the islands for stricter European air quality standards in 2030. The laboratory plans to refine its methods and implement new strategies in a four-year follow-up project with a budget of 3 million euros.
What can be expected in the coming days?
For 14 October 2026, there is no new island-wide warning. The readings remain location-dependent; the current data from the Canarian monitoring network and any new AEMET and health warnings are decisive.
Mariano Hernández Zapata, regional minister for ecological transition, stressed the importance of clear and accessible information on air quality. He called on the government to improve monitoring and communicate the results clearly to all residents.
The cited RADAR report explains the general context but does not provide any additional prices, dates or binding measures. Anyone living or holidaying in the Canary Islands should check current air quality data regularly.