A dense haze, known locally as Calima, blanketed Spain’s Canary Islands on 17 December 2024 following Storm Dorothea. Strong winds carried suspended dust from the Sahara Desert, significantly impacting air quality and visibility, particularly on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
According to data, the daily concentration of particulate matter in these areas surpassed levels recommended by the World Health Organization, raising health concerns for local communities. The phenomenon, visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite image, shows the recurring challenges posed by transcontinental dust transport.
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service offers crucial daily updates and forecasts on the movement of atmospheric pollutants, providing valuable insights for authorities to protect public health and enhance preparedness.
Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery
