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
Weather warning map of Wales and western Britain showing a yellow thunderstorm alert with lightning symbols, alongside a large warning triangle for lightning.
Wednesday 27 May 2026

Wales & western England

Thunderstorm watch continues
Split image showing a bright rainbow above a residential street on the left and a dramatic ocean sunrise with glowing clouds and reflections on the sea on the right.
Sunday 24 May 2026

Your weather - Your shots

From unsettled to warm and toasty
Temperature map of the UK and western Europe showing intense red and orange heat across southern Britain, with temperatures reaching 31°C near London and a large thermometer icon beside the map.
Friday 22 May 2026

Highs over 30 degrees

Unusually warm for the long weekend
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
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
Split UK map showing warm temperatures up to 21 degrees in orange on the left and clear sunny conditions with temperatures from 12 to 18 degrees on the right, with sun icons across the country.
Thursday 23 April 2026

Spring-like outlook

Bright and warm conditions take hold
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