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Saharan dust clouds bring muddy rains to Costa del Sol & Costa Blanca this weekend
You are not the only person who wonders why their car looks like it has been through a sandstorm.
Spain is currently being battered with a massive earthquake. calima – a Saharan dust cloud that’s turning rainfall into the dreaded ‘blood rain’ that leaves everything covered in a fine layer of red mud.
The phenomenon that has affected the Costa del Sol will now spread to other parts of Spain, affecting them until Sunday.
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The dust cloud will be most intense in the Valencia region, Murcia and eastern Andalucia over the weekend. Costa Blanca – from Alicante all the way to Denia – is also under fire.
Air quality readings have already deteriorated significantly across these regions, with many areas now registering ‘unsatisfactory’ levels due to the high concentration of airborne particles.
Saharan Dust will remain on the Mediterranean Coast and Balearic Islands. Any rainfall will result in the characteristic reddish, brown deposits.
Forecast showers and storms will continue throughout the day. They’ll combine with the Saharan Dust in the air to create those muddy deposits which coat patios, cars and other outdoor items.
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A DANA is the culprit (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) – essentially a cut-off low pressure system – positioned to the west of Spain.
The circulation pattern is pulling dusty, warm air northwards from the Sahara Desert across the Balearic Islands and peninsula.
Whilst the calima initially spread across much of Spain, from Thursday onwards it will begin its retreat eastwards – unfortunately concentrating over the Mediterranean coastal areas
Dust concentrations will be lower in areas farther inland such as Aragon and Castilla-La Mancha. Madrid may even experience a lighter dust.
For residents and holidaymakers, this means postponing any serious car cleaning until early next week – unless you fancy doing it twice.
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This phenomenon occurs when fine Saharan dust particles are transported high into the air by weather systems. They travel thousands of kilometers before mixing with rain.
When it falls, it creates the dramatic orange-red precipitation that locals have dubbed ‘blood rain’ – though it’s perfectly harmless beyond the cleaning headaches it causes.
Keep your car covers in the car and get ready for more muddy days.
