Parts of Spain are facing a stifling weekend due to arrival the so-called ‘calima’ phenomenon, experts have warned.
Much of Andalucia is experiencing highs of 40C this week, with inland areas like Sevilla the most affected by the heat.
The first heatwave of the year is extending into Saturday, which will see some of the hottest conditions.
According to weather service El Tiempo, these high temperatures are being compounded by the ‘calima’ – which is when a dust cloud fills the air, typically blown in from the Sahara in Africa.
Billions of particles of suspended dust will advance over the mainland from today, as well as the Canary Islands.
A report by El Tiempo said: ‘On Friday, cloudy skies will appear in Andalucia, Extremadura, and to a lesser extent in Castilla-La Mancha and even in Madrid and southern Castilla y Leon. It is not ruled out that they will reach other areas further north by the end of the day.
‘The concentrations of particles won’t be very high, but combined with high temperatures, they could leave a more suffocating feeling.
‘The situation will be similar on Saturday, with calima mainly in the western half of the peninsula.
‘However, we don’t expect the suspended dust to reach the Mediterranean coast or the Balearic Islands.’
The calima is expected to begin its retreat on Sunday.
