Britons who suffer from respiratory complications have been warned about visiting Spain amid a recent weather warning.
The phenomenon locally known as 'Calima' is set to sweep over tourist hotspots like Majorca and Ibiza in the coming days.
Calima is the Spanish term for the Saharan fog that turns the sky dark orange. A sand haze causes the weather event.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warned that a ‘tongue of suspended dust’ could reach the Iberian Peninsula, with parts of the mainland also likely to be affected.
The weather phenomenon could affect anyone who suffers from asthma
PA
Dubbed ‘blood rain’, Calima could prove particularly problematic for Britons afflicted by pre-existing asthma or allergies.
Tenerife’s official website warns that the climate phenomenon can trigger “coughing, breathing problems, stuffy nose and eye irritation,” in sensitive people.
The website continues: “Some people get headaches and allergies. Some find it difficult to sleep, especially if the Calima happens in summer and there is no air conditioning in the flat or hotel.”
It also cautions that if the outbreak is several, “some people with pre-existing medical conditions may experience bronchospasm (severe breathing problems), chest pain and asthma".
“In addition, anxiety crises may occur,” adds the website.
The warning comes as newly drafted smoking regulations could soon ban holidaymakers from smoking in public.
Tourists have been told to avoid smoking in shared public spaces such as restaurant terraces and beaches.
The new guidelines could be introduced at different establishments as peak season starts.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Tourists could soon be prevented from smoking in public spaces
PA
The proposed measures were detailed in a document by the Spanish Medical Association to curb the number of smokers in the country.
Britons travelling to Spain this summer will also profit from a helpful update at major airports.
Visitors will no longer be required to remove liquids and electronics from their hand luggage for scanning, potentially shortening security procedures.
Visitors to Madrid and Barcelona will benefit from the change within months. Palma de Mallorca, Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat, and Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas will also roll out the update.