Holiday warning as Saharan dust cloud barrels towards Brit tourist islands & will strike TOMORROW sparking health alert

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A SAHARAN dust cloud is expected to blanket popular British holiday islands in Spain as of this Friday.

Brits travelling to or within the Canaries have been warned by Spain‘s national weather agency about approaching North African dust – set to affect the archipelago’s visibility and air quality.

Patrons sitting at tables outside a cafe overlooking the ocean.

Dust from north Africa is heading for the Canaries[/caption]

Map showing Saharan dust cloud movement towards British tourist islands.

The Saharan dust cloud will sweep across Spain, with the Canaries worst hit[/caption]

Beach scene in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria during a sandstorm; people wearing masks sit near boats on the beach.

A beach in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria in February 2020 during one of the worst Saharan sandstorms[/caption]

The dust cloud will hit the eastern Canary Islands – Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria – along with Tenerife, according to Spain‘s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).

The haze from North Africa will reach the islands, leaving a thin layer of dust on windows and surfaces, AEMET reported.

Tourists have been urged to take precautions, especially those who have respiratory conditions.

On Friday, the maximum temperature is forecast to rise slightly – to around 22 degrees Celsius.

Dust clouds lower air quality, carrying tiny particles like soil, pollen and pollutants, which can then be inhaled.

These particles irritate the lungs and airways, potentially triggering asthma and allergies.

Those who are said to be at greatest risk are children, older people and people with a weakened immune system or existing lung problems.

But not only are the Mediterranean countries hit by Saharan dust, on some occasions, the dust has been found to travel to other countries, including the UK.

In fact, the Met Office issued a weather alert for the dust in April, alongside a satellite image showing a cloud of Saharan dust particles hovering over London in 2022.

Karen Spillett, deputy head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, last month advised people with lung conditions to be cautious and stay indoors.

What is a Saharan dust cloud?

A Saharan dust cloud is a large mass of dry, dusty air that forms over the Sahara Desert in North Africa.

These clouds are made up of tiny sand and mineral particles lifted by strong winds.

Once in the atmosphere, the dust can travel thousands of miles.

Winds often carry the dust into southern Europe, especially during the spring and summer months.

Saharan dust clouds can make the sky hazy, dry out the air and reduce rainfall.

They can harm air quality, irritating the lungs and triggering asthma.

On a positive note, the dust contains nutrients like iron and phosphorus which helps fertilise rain forests in the Amazon.

Spillett said: “If you have a lung condition, especially asthma, you might find that the fine dust particles from the Sahara cause irritation to your lungs.

“Fine particles in the air can leave you struggling for breath, and at increased risk of asthma attacks and flare-ups of other lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.”

She added: “Keep your windows and doors shut if possible and ensure you have your reliever inhaler with you to treat symptoms if you go out.

“If you have a lung condition, ensure you take your preventer medication every day as prescribed, follow your asthma action plan and know what to do if you have an asthma attack or flare-up.”

It comes as Spain was hit by a bad bout of weather in April – particularly over Easter time, with the Canaries experiencing strong winds and Barcelona seeing heavy rainfall.

On April 12, more than a year’s worth of rain fell in two hours in parts of the Canaries.

Lanzarote was hit by a huge downpour, engulfing homes and streets and prompting officials to declare a state of emergency.