The hot, dry winds that carry dust from the Sahara Desert are known as Kalima. The winds lift millions of tons of dust and fine sand up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) into the atmosphere, staining the sky orange and turning rainwater a murky brown (also known as blood rain).
Airborne particles can be carried thousands of miles in atmospheric currents. Reaching low altitudes can reduce visibility and cause respiratory problems.
Kalima will primarily affect the Canary Islands, but if conditions are right, the dust could be carried into the Mediterranean and even into Northern Europe, including the UK.
This article answers the question (asked by Irvin Spencer via email): “What is calima?”
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