Home
Weather Dublin
WeatherRadar
RainfallRadar
TemperatureRadar
WindRadar
LightningRadar
Weather News
Editor's Pick
Discover the app
Weather widget
Contact us
Apps
    Home / Weather News /

    Saharan dust in Spain: Skies and ski slopes turn orange

13:00
21 March 2024

Saharan dust in Spain
Skies and ski slopes turn orange

Saharan dust is spreading up from Africa into parts of Spain, turning skies and ski slopes orange.

Known locally in Spain as calima, the meteorological phenomenon occurs when fine particles of sand and dust is transported from the Sahara Desert by the prevailing winds.

It can cause respiratory issues particularly in those with underlying health conditions, and can also prompt the air temperatures to rise.

Orange hues of Saharan dust visible on the Spanish ski resort of Sierra Nevada on Thursday 21st March.
Orange hues of Saharan dust visible on the Spanish ski resort of Sierra Nevada on Thursday 21st March. - © Feratel webcam

The effects of the Saharan dust are already visible across ski slopes as in the webcam image above, as dust and sand deposits settle on the ground, cars, homes, etc.

Calima most commonly occurs in summer, though can take place during any time of the year and can last a few days.

Saharan dust impacts air qualityread more
Weather & Radar editorial team
More on the topic
Low delivers days of gusty conditions. Into the weekend. . . Thursday 17 September 2026
Wind map showing low pressure near the Faroe Islands, with winds reaching 35 mph around Aberdeen and Dublin and stronger Atlantic winds west of the UK.
Thursday 17 September 2026

Into the weekend

Low delivers days of gusty conditions
Hurricane threat off the coast of Mexico. Storm and rain. . . Monday 21 September 2026
Split image showing a powerful tropical system southwest of Acapulco on a wind map and palm trees bending sharply in strong winds.
Monday 21 September 2026

Storm and rain

Hurricane threat off the coast of Mexico
Equinox marks the start of autumn. Days start to get shorter. . . Wednesday 23 September 2026
Split image showing Stonehenge in warm sunlight beside a tree-lined park glowing with vivid orange, red, and golden autumn leaves.
Wednesday 23 September 2026

Days start to get shorter

Equinox marks the start of autumn
All weather news
This might also interest you
Storm Chandra makes impact. Severe gales & heavy rain. . . Tuesday 27 January 2026
Split image showing strong winds over the UK on a forecast map and widespread rain and snow on a weather radar map.
Tuesday 27 January 2026

Severe gales & heavy rain

Storm Chandra makes impact
Long-term trends need a pinch of salt. 40 °C in July?. . . Tuesday 30 June 2026
Temperature radar of 2022 heatwave where the all-time temperature record in the UK was set. Warning symbol overlain.
Tuesday 30 June 2026

40 °C in July?

Long-term trends need a pinch of salt
A stormy week in the skies above. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday 30 August 2026
Split image showing lightning branching beneath dark storm clouds above rooftops on the left and an orange-pink sunset over a calm sea on the right.
Sunday 30 August 2026

Your weather - Your shots

A stormy week in the skies above
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList