Have you ever had a moment when it felt like the apocalypse was upon you?
Learn about Kalima, the eerie dust storm phenomenon on Costa del Sol. Discover its origins, impact, and how it can create an apocalyptic atmosphere during its occurrence.
What is Kalima?
The name Kalima (or Calima in Spanish) originates from the Arabic word “قليمة” (qalymah or qalīmah), which refers to “fine dust” or “dryness.”
It is a weather phenomenon that occasionally affects Costa del Sol, as well as other parts of southern Spain. It occurs when strong winds from the Sahara desert blow across the Mediterranean, carrying with them a significant amount of dust and sand. The dust can actually travel incredible distances even up to 5,000 kilometers, reaching as far as the Caribbean, South America, North America, and even the Arctic. To reach Costa del Sol is quite easy, the narrowest part of the Strait of Gibraltar is only 14 km.
How Kalima Affects Costa del Sol?
During Kalima, the sky takes on surreal colors—shades of yellow, orange, or reddish-brown—giving the landscape an almost Martian feel. The streets and cars are covered in mud, the visibility is reduced and you can sense an eerie, pretty scary, almost apocalyptic atmosphere.
The dust can significantly reduce air quality, which may affect people with respiratory conditions or allergies. It’s often advisable to stay indoors and keep windows closed. After Kalima passes, you may notice a layer of fine dust on cars, buildings, and outdoor surfaces, requiring cleanup.
Kalima can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the strength and direction of the winds. Sometimes it is accompanied with muddy showers. While not extremely common, this phenomenon does occur periodically, particularly in the late winter or early spring, but it can happen at other times of the year as well.
One of the most severe Kalimas in recent history occurred in February 2020, affecting the Canary Islands, a region frequently impacted by this phenomenon (Canary Islands experience about 20 to 30 Kalima events per year). This particular Kalima lasted for several days, making it one of the longest and most persistent dust storms in recent memory. Over 800 flights were canceled or diverted due to poor visibility and safety concerns.
While Kalima is often viewed as a nuisance, the dust it carries is rich in minerals like iron and phosphorus, which are essential nutrients for plants. This dust, when it settles, can fertilize soils contributing to the health of ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
Why Kalima is worth seeing?
Kalima can be a minor inconvenience but at the same time it’s also a fascinating natural event that highlights the powerful forces of nature connecting different parts of the world. Whether you’re living on the Costa del Sol or just visiting, experiencing its presence is a reminder of the unique climate and geography of this beautiful region.
For photographers and visual artists, Kalima presents a unique opportunity to capture stunning and dramatic images. The diffused light, altered colors, and unusual visibility create a perfect setting for atmospheric photography, turning everyday scenes into extraordinary ones.
For more detailed insights, you can explore https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calima_(Saharan_sand)
