Calima Alert: Saharan dust brings heat and haze to southern and eastern Spain this week

Forecasters from Spain’s state meteorological agency AEMET warns of a subtropical air mass advancing on southern mainland Spain today with associated calima and unusually high temperatures for the month of April.

Clouds of calima are moving northward from recent dominance over the Canary Islands to influence sectors of the peninsula by Monday afternoon, April 20, according to the latest forecasts. Warm air will result in conditions much more typical of June rather than April across affected southern zones of mainland Spain.

Daytime maximum temperatures will sit five to ten degrees above normal values in many locations for this time of year, according to the latest AEMET updates released.

Saharan calima moves across southern mainland Spain

A vast calima dust cloud is continuing its approach from western and southern paths, bringing dust in suspension that will become noticeable to observers in southern regions. Intervals of high clouds will accompany the hazy conditions in southern coastal and inland spots as dust levels rise.

Southern Spain faces record April heat levels

Cities including Seville, Cordoba, Jaen and Badajoz face readings above 30 degrees Celsius in the days ahead, with Seville possibly reaching 36 degrees on Tuesday. Tuesday then will bring extra calima flows from southern directions across the peninsula and the Balearic Islands while temperatures are likely to climb further in southern areas.

High temperatures are expected to hold steady or climb slightly in southern regions throughout the week, with models showing that the hot weather will not relent.

Calima and heat outlook for the week in southern Spain

Residents may witness some muddy rain episodes where showers interact with dust particles later in the week in some southern regions.

AEMET spokesperson Ruben del Campo confirms the very warm environment for this time of year with maxima more suited to early summer. Dust suspension becomes noticeable in the atmosphere as the subtropical mass settles over southern territories.

En los próximos días una masa de aire de origen subtropical llegará a España.

Lo notaremos por el polvo en suspensión que traerá consigo. Y además👉

➡️ Temperaturas muy por encima de lo normal.

➡️ Cierta inestabilidad: formación de tormentas, localmente fuertes y con granizo. pic.twitter.com/Elfgu24bnA

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) April 19, 2026

Official advice for heavy Saharan dust episodes

• Limit time spent outside, especially during peak dust hours.
• Keep doors and windows tightly closed to prevent dust from entering homes or cars.

Protect respiratory health

• Avoid any strenuous physical activity such as running or exercise in open air.
• People with asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), heart conditions, allergies or other chronic illnesses should follow their usual medication strictly and remain extra cautious.

Care for eyes and skin

• Wear sunglasses or protective glasses to shield eyes from irritation and possible gritty sensations.
• Apply moisturiser to skin and consider covering exposed areas with clothing or a hat when outside.
• Rinse eyes with saline solution or artificial tears if they feel irritated upon returning indoors.

Special advice for vulnerable groups

Children, older adults, pregnant women, smokers and those who work outdoors face higher risks. These groups should minimise all outdoor exposure and monitor symptoms closely. If breathing difficulties, persistent cough, chest discomfort or worsening of existing conditions occur, seek medical help promptly or call 112 in emergencies.

Stable patterns will dominate in southern territories with the main focus on heat and haze for everyone in southern and eastern Spain.