Calima Comes Back To The Costa Del Sol

Calima Comes Back To The Costa Del Sol. The clouds of sand from the Sahara have returned to the Costa Del Sol today turning the skies rust red.

Calima Comes Back To The Costa Del Sol

An amber weather alert is in place on the Costa Del Sol right now. The Costa Del Sol skies have been turned a deep rust red by the phenomenon known locally as “calima”. The “calima” haze which hit the Costa Del Sol last week has returned today, accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds. The haze is caused by sand which is being collected by winds from the Sahara desert and deposited with the rain here. The “calima” is leaving sandy mud on roads and causing poor visibility for drivers. Hayfever and asthma sufferers are also reporting more severe syptoms.

The amber warning is in place until 12pm tomorrow (Friday 24th March 2022). Amber is the second most severe of the three weather warning levels. The heavy rainfall is being welcomed as local reservoirs have extremely low water levels and experts are warning of drought this summer.

Rust red skies near Fuengirola. Photography by Olivia Longman. Main image also by Olivia Longman.

Click here to see the latest forecast for the Costa Del Sol.

Malaga Airport Delays

Adverse weather conditions can sometimes cause delays at Malaga airport. Check which flights are affected with our live flight tracker here.

Severe weather can cause delays at Malaga airport.

Types Of Weather Warnings

Yellow: Be aware. Severe weather is possible over the next few days and could affect people in the concerned area. Yellow means that you should plan ahead thinking about possible travel delays, or the disruption of your day-to-day activities.

Amber: Be prepared. There is an increased likelihood of bad weather affecting people in the concerned area, which could potentially disrupt people’s plans and possibly cause travel delays, road and rail closures, interruption to power and the potential risk to life and property.

Red: Take action. Extreme weather is expected. Red means people in the concerned areas should take action now to keep themselves and others safe from the impact of the weather. Widespread damage, travel and power disruption and risk to life is likely.

Published: 24.03.2021

Written by Dave James.

Featured image by Olivia Longman.