Dust in the Canary Islands
Island-by-island tracking of Saharan dust using CAMS mineral dust aerosol optical depth (AOD 550).
Dust outbreaks often raise PM10, reduce visibility and worsen respiratory symptoms. Here we expose that signal directly so it can add context to the map and station pages.
Current signal
No active dust
Current island status
No dust
- El HierroDust AOD 550 nm 0.00Down 0.02 vs 24 h earlier
- FuerteventuraDust AOD 550 nm 0.00Down 0.01 vs 24 h earlier
- Gran CanariaDust AOD 550 nm 0.00Down 0.02 vs 24 h earlier
- La GomeraDust AOD 550 nm 0.00Down 0.02 vs 24 h earlier
- La GraciosaDust AOD 550 nm 0.00Unchanged vs 24 h earlier
- La PalmaDust AOD 550 nm 0.00Unchanged vs 24 h earlier
- LanzaroteDust AOD 550 nm 0.00Unchanged vs 24 h earlier
- TenerifeDust AOD 550 nm 0.00Down 0.02 vs 24 h earlier
Updated: Oct 12, 2026, 1:00 PM
What this signal means
AOD measures how much radiation aerosols attenuate across the atmospheric column. It does not replace PM10 concentrations, but it helps tell when a particle spike is consistent with a large-scale Saharan dust intrusion.
As a reference: we consider dust light from an AOD of 0.18, moderate from 0.35 and intense above 0.55.
How to use it
Use it together with the AQI and measured pollutants. If dust is moderate or intense, consider reducing prolonged intense outdoor exercise if you feel discomfort, protecting eyes and airways, and keeping a closer eye on children, older adults and people with asthma or COPD.