Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Costa del Sol – April 2025
Residents and tourists across the Costa del Sol are being warned to expect a rare weather phenomenon known as blood rain over the coming days — a dramatic event that’s as fascinating as it is messy.
What Is Blood Rain?
Blood rain occurs when strong winds from the Sahara Desert blow dust into the atmosphere over southern Europe. When this dust mixes with rainfall, it can create orange- or reddish-colored rain that leaves a visible layer of fine sand on everything it touches — cars, terraces, balconies, and even clothing left outside.
It’s completely natural and not dangerous to health in small exposures, but it can cause air quality to worsen and reduce visibility, particularly if winds are strong.
When Will It Hit the Costa del Sol?
Meteorological agencies predict blood rain could arrive as early as Friday, April 12th, with the heaviest fallout expected over the weekend, especially in areas like Malaga, Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, and Nerja.
Expect cloudy skies, warm but humid conditions, and sudden muddy rain showers through Sunday.
Historical Blood Rain Events
The Costa del Sol has experienced several notable blood rain events in recent years:
- March 2022: A significant calima event occurred, where large quantities of Saharan dust combined with rain turned everything in sight muddy orange. This extraordinary event left thousands of tonnes of mud on the streets and the facades of buildings.
- February 2025: A powerful Atlantic weather front brought widespread rain and Saharan dust to the region, coating streets, cars, and outdoor surfaces in a reddish sludge.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Property
Here are some quick tips to stay safe and avoid extra clean-up:
- Cover your car or park indoors – the dust and rain mix can stain paintwork and clog filters.
- Bring laundry and cushions indoors – anything left outside will get stained or dusty.
- Close all windows and doors – especially during windy periods.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity – if you have respiratory conditions, stay indoors until the air clears.
- Wear sunglasses or glasses – dust in the air can irritate eyes.
What to Do After It Rains
Once the storm passes:
- Rinse your car gently with clean water before wiping – don’t scrub as the dust is abrasive and may scratch paint.
- Clean terraces and balconies with a mild detergent and water – the dust can become slippery.
- Check air filters in cars and homes if you notice a build-up.
A Beautiful Mess
While inconvenient, blood rain is part of a fascinating climate pattern that connects the Sahara Desert to southern Spain through the skies. Some photographers even take advantage of the eerie orange skies for dramatic photos, especially during sunset.
Stay updated with the latest forecasts and safety tips:
👉 www.costaspainnews.es
Follow us for real-time weather alerts on Facebook:
👉 facebook.com/CostaNewsSpain
