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
Split image showing a warm temperature map across the UK and western Europe on the left and a bright sun shining through scattered clouds in a blue sky on the right.
Friday 15 May 2026

Much warmer bank holiday

Heatwave? We're not quite there yet
Weather map of Europe showing a high-pressure system over Central Europe, low-pressure systems over the Atlantic and Turkey, numerous sun symbols, and temperatures ranging from 4 to over 40 degrees.
Thursday 21 May 2026

Omega block

The weather in Europe is changing
Temperature map of the UK and western Europe showing warm orange conditions with temperatures above 20°C, alongside thermometer and UV icons indicating strong sunshine and elevated UV levels.
Wednesday 20 May 2026

Sunday peak

UV levels soar over Bank Holiday weekend
All weather news
This might also interest you
UK temperature map dated 14.02 showing widespread subzero values in blue shading, with readings such as −4 in Glasgow, −3 in Dublin, and −2 in London, alongside a blue thermometer icon.
Friday 13 February 2026

Icy conditions

A frozen start to the weekend
Split image showing a person in a yellow jacket struggling against strong winds and heavy rain on a street at night on the left, and an Irish wind forecast map on the right with red and purple shading, gusts up to 75 mph, and a wind warning icon, divided by a curved white line.
Saturday 24 January 2026

On this day...

Historic Storm Éowyn arrives
Outline of Santa Claus with a yellow and white hat, "Ho-Ho-Ho" next to the outline above a Christmas tree.
Thursday 25 December 2025

Merry Christmas!

Wishes from Weather & Radar
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