Calima alert: Saharan dust brings heat, haze and heat to southern and Eastern Spain this week

Forecasters at Spain’s state weather agency AEMET warn of a subtropical mass of air moving southwards today, with calima associated and temperatures unusually high for April.

The latest forecasts indicate that clouds of calima, which have recently dominated the Canary Islands, will influence certain sectors of the Peninsula by Monday afternoon (April 20), if they continue to move northward. Conditions in southern Spain will be more like those of June, rather than April.

According to the latest AEMET releases, daytime maximum temperatures are expected to be five to ten degree above normal in many places for this time of the year.

Saharan calimas move across the southern mainland of Spain

The vast calima dust clouds continue to approach from the west and south, bringing dust that is suspended. This will become visible for observers in southern areas. As dust levels increase, there will be periods of high clouds in coastal and inland areas.

Southern Spain experiences record heat in April

Seville, Cordoba and Jaen, as well as Badajoz, face readings above 30 degrees Celsius Seville may reach 36 degrees on Tuesday. Tuesday will see an increase in calima flow from the south across the Balearic Islands and peninsula.

Models predict that temperatures will remain high or even rise slightly in the southern regions of the country throughout the week.

Calima and heat forecast for this week in southern Spain

In some areas of the south, residents could experience some muddy rainfall episodes as showers mix with dust particles.

AEMET spokesperson Ruben del Campo confirms This is a very warm climate for this season, with temperatures that are more in line with early summer. As the subtropical masses settle over southern regions, dust suspension is noticeable.

En los próximos días una masa de aire de origen subtropical llegará a España.

Lo notaremos por el polvo en suspensión que traerá consigo. Y además👉

➡️ Temperaturas muy por encima de lo normal.

➡️ Cierta inestabilidad: formación de tormentas, localmente fuertes y con granizo. pic.twitter.com/Elfgu24bnA

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) April 19, 2026

Official advice regarding heavy Saharan dust episodes

• Limit time spent outsideParticularly during peak dust hours.
• Close all windows and doors to avoid dust entering your home or car.

Protect your respiratory system

• Avoid exercising in the open or doing strenuous activities such as running.
• People with chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD, heart conditions, allergies, or other chronic illnesses, should adhere to their prescribed medication and be extra careful.

Skin and eye care

• Use sunglasses or protective lenses to shield your eyes from irritation.
• When outside, apply moisturiser and cover exposed areas of skin with clothing or a cap.
• If your eyes feel itchy after returning inside, rinse them with artificial tears or saline solution.

Special advice for vulnerable groups

Smokers, children, older adults, pregnant woman, and people who work outside are at higher risk. These groups need to minimize outdoor exposure, and closely monitor symptoms. In the event of breathing difficulties, persistent coughs, chest discomfort, or worsening existing conditions, you should seek medical assistance immediately or call 112 if it is an emergency.

Heat and haze will be the dominant weather patterns in the southern regions of Spain.