The Mystifying Phenomenon Of Tenerife's Calima Winds

If you have ever ventured to Tenerife for a holiday adventure, perhaps you awoke to an oddly dusty vista. If so, you have witnessed with your own eyes, the fascinating condition known as Calima.
 

Tenerife Weather

The Mediterranean and subtropically mild climate of Tenerife and the other islands is recognized far and wide. There is little natural variation in the Tenerife weather pattern and temperatures over the course of any given year. Anywhere between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius is normal, though there are rare times in the midst of the summer season when 35 degrees may be reached. With a year-round average of 24 degrees, the weather is always pleasant for those wishing to visit.

 

Eternal Spring On Tenerife

Because of its consistently appealing climate, Tenerife has come to be known as the island of "eternal spring." In terms of weather conditions, Tenerife is somewhat split between north and south, and the landscape itself demonstrates this fact. The northern areas tend to be lush and green, while the southern areas are more arid. The mountains are responsible for this divide in terms of the prevailing weather seen by each region.

Southern temperatures tend to be more stable than those in the northern towns. This can be explained by topography. The southern coast tends to see higher temperatures due to northeasterly tradewinds and their subsequent clouds. El Medano often experiences strong wind that makes it an ideal location for kite surfing, wind surfing and conventional surfing.

Tenerife truly has an activity or a destination to suit everyone. Regardless of the climate in which you find yourself, the opportunities for sun, sand and active recreation are plentiful. There is no bad time of year to visit Tenerife.

 

Proximity To Africa

When it comes to climate and geography, Tenerife is heavily influenced by nearby Africa. Part of the Sahara Desert as well as Morroco are surprisingly close, much nearer than any part of Spain. Therefore, it should not shock that desert winds regularly make their way to Tenerife. If high pressure builds over Saharan regions, temperature levels increase, humidity drops, and the winds travel toward Tenerife.

These winds that originate in Africa and ultimately arrive on the Canary Islands are known as Calima. Not only will Calima deliver balmy temperatures, it will also send sand into the air. When the air picks up substantial quality of dust from Saharan Africa, visibility is reduced, often markedly. Calima, therefore, also enjoys the moniker of Bruma seca, or dry fog. Calima is something that can appear virtually any time of the year.

 

Calima's Impact on Holidaymakers

As suggested earlier, it is possible for Calima to appear during any holiday visit. The initial signs of its arrival include a rise in temperature and the emergence of dust in the ambient air. Those who are not accustomed to this occurrence may begin to feel ill soon after the condition takes hold. It is important to stay hydrated and remain on guard for possible issues with the circulatory system.

Others have reported experiencing irritation in the respiratory tract. This is attributable to the fine sand particles that can find their way into the lungs and cause difficulties. If a cough should develop, this is just the body's way of fighting off intrusions from the dust.

Calima also has the potential to cause trouble with air travel. Visibility can become seriously hindered due to dust, and the easterly winds can make flight a bit riskier than usual. Fortunately, airlines are able to forecast this condition ahead of time, thus warding off major inconvenience and cancellations.

 

Additional Details

There are times when the Sahara's easterly winds are extremely potent. Under such circumstances, humidity plummets and temperatures may reach 50 degrees. Nighttime is especially warm, and the overall conditions can be hazardous. Wind and hot air causes drying of the environment, with fires becoming more of a possibility. Even a seemingly innocuous little spark can produce a massive conflagration, therefore it is necessary to exercise caution. Summer is a time of real risk for forest fires. The winter months are marked by slightly cooler temperatures, lessening the risk somewhat. However, the danger never truly disappears.

 

When Calima Infiltrates Your Holiday

Frequent visitors to Tenerife have likely experienced a Calima at least once. They will report having seen a fairly light coating of dust on vehicles and other outdoor elements. It is possible for these conditions to remain in place for multiple weeks, but vacationers can rest assured that they will eventually come to an end. The best thing to do is to think of a Calima as being a truly rare experience that it is a privilege to witness. 

Taking this sort of attitude can turn what might otherwise be a major frustration and glaring inconvenience into something worth telling the grandchildren one day. As with most things in life, it really is all about perspective.