Canary Islands issues pre-alert for dust haze as episode could intensify from Tuesday

The Canary Islands Government, through its Directorate General for Emergencies, has declared a pre-alert for dust haze across the archipelago from 12.30pm on Monday, 26 October, amid forecasts of suspended dust that could intensify over the coming days.

The decision was taken in light of information provided by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other available sources, under the Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Risks from Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).

According to the official statement, the dust haze is expected to become more significant on Monday in mid-altitude areas and on the southern-facing summits of the mountainous islands, where suspended particle concentrations could reach or exceed 100 micrograms per cubic metre.

Fuerteventura: dust haze at altitude on Monday

In Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, the Directorate General for Emergencies says the dust haze will remain mainly at altitude on Monday, with little impact at ground level.

However, conditions could change from midday on Tuesday, when the suspended dust may begin to intensify at lower elevations across all the islands, including Fuerteventura.

If this forecast is borne out, the dust haze could become more noticeable in various parts of the island during the second half of Tuesday and, especially, throughout Wednesday.

Episode could be at its most intense on Wednesday

The Directorate General for Emergencies warns that the episode is expected to peak on Wednesday, 28 October, when suspended particulate concentrations could generally exceed 100 micrograms per cubic metre.

The statement also says that air quality is already deteriorating significantly at numerous monitoring stations in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and at some in La Palma.

Authorities will continue to monitor the dust haze and air quality readings, and will update the situation if necessary.

Precautions for people with respiratory problems

The emergency authorities warn that this suspended-dust episode could cause or worsen health problems for people with chronic or respiratory illnesses.

In these circumstances, people are advised to pay particular attention to changes in air quality, especially those in the most vulnerable groups.

Common precautions during dust-haze episodes include avoiding strenuous outdoor exercise when concentrations are high, reducing exposure to dust, and keeping doors and windows closed if air quality worsens.

The pre-alert applies throughout the Canary Islands. The regional government has not set an end time, so it will remain in force until a change or deactivation is announced.