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
Europe's storm situation still volatile. Supercell danger. . . Friday 28 August 2026
Split screen. On the left, a weather map of Europe showing thunderstorms, lightning and a warning symbol. On the right, a photograph of a severe thunderstorm
Friday 28 August 2026

Supercell danger

Europe's storm situation still volatile
Widespread thunderstorm risk in the UK. Heavy rain and hail too. . . Tuesday 25 August 2026
Split weather graphic showing a yellow thunderstorm warning across much of England alongside radar with heavy showers and frequent lightning around London and southeast England.
Tuesday 25 August 2026

Heavy rain and hail too

Widespread thunderstorm risk in the UK
Blood Moon rises early Friday morning. Partial lunar eclipse. . . Thursday 27 August 2026
Stages of a lunar eclipse
Thursday 27 August 2026

Partial lunar eclipse

Blood Moon rises early Friday morning
All weather news
This might also interest you
Seasonal warmth between spring thunder. Your weather - Your shots. . . Sunday 19 April 2026
Split image showing coastal sunset with layered lenticular clouds over rooftops and palm trees on the left, and a green valley with river and hills under soft daylight on the right.
Sunday 19 April 2026

Your weather - Your shots

Seasonal warmth between spring thunder
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
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
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