Saharan Dust Storms — The Kalima Phenomenon and Its Impact on Allergy Sufferers

Kalima (Khamasin in Arabic, calima in Spanish) is a meteorological phenomenon where winds from North Africa bring vast amounts of Saharan dust over Cyprus (and other Mediterranean islands). The sky turns beige-orange, visibility decreases, the air smells of dry earth, and the sun looks like it’s behind a dirty window. For tourists: disorienting. For allergy sufferers: potentially serious.

What is Kalima — The Mechanism of the Phenomenon

Kalima is not a "typical dust storm." It's a mineral aerosol transported at high altitudes over the Sahara and carried by air currents for distances of 1,000–2,000 kilometers.

Origin: Sahara and Sahel — Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Mauritania Transportation: Air currents at heights of 1,000–5,000 m, speeds of 50–100 km/h Delivery Time: Sahara to Cyprus in 1–3 days with favorable winds

Scale of the Phenomenon: NASA and MODIS (satellites) regularly photograph the transported Saharan dust clouds visible from orbit. The Sahara loses approximately 800 million tons of dust annually, a significant portion of which reaches the Mediterranean Sea.

How to Recognize Kalima in Cyprus

Visually:

• The sky changes color from blue to milky beige or orange
• The sun has an intense orange color even at midday
• Horizontal visibility decreases: normally 20–30 km → kalima: 5–10 km
• Cars and outdoor furniture are covered with a thin layer of beige dust
• Sunsets are exceptionally spectacular (dust scattering light)

Physically:

• The air is hotter and drier than normal
• A characteristic "desert" smell — mineral dryness
• Visibility of stars at night is zero or very poor

When it Occurs:

• Spring (March–April): frequent
• Summer (June–August): possible with appropriate currents
• Autumn (September–October): sporadic

Saharan Dust Data — Concentration

During an intense kalima, the concentration of PM10 (particulate matter 10 micrometers) can reach:

• Normal day in Larnaka: 15–25 μg/m³
• Mild kalima: 50–100 μg/m³
• Intense kalima: 150–400 μg/m³
• Record values (Cyprus, 2012): >800 μg/m³

WHO standard for PM10: 15 μg/m³ (daily). During kalima, the level can exceed the standard 10–50 times.

Impact on Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

Saharan dust contains:

• Minerals: quartz, clay, gypsum (not particularly allergenic in themselves)
• Microorganisms: bacteria and fungal spores transported from the Sahara (!) — studies have shown that live microorganisms survive the transport
• Residues of pesticides from Saharan agricultural areas
• Heavy metals: iron, aluminum, silicon

For respiratory allergy sufferers (pollen, dust mites):

• Kalima itself is a new allergen
• Dust particles irritate the nasal and throat mucous membranes — even in people who do not have allergies
• With severe asthma or respiratory allergies: increased risk of an attack

Typical symptoms during kalima:

• Watery and itchy eyes
• Cough (dry, irritating)
• Rhinitis or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Worsening of asthma or COPD

How to Prepare — For Travelers with Allergies Visiting Cyprus

Before traveling:

• Check with an allergist whether you can travel during the kalima season
• Bring a supply of medication: antihistamines, nasal sprays (Avamys, Nasonex), inhaler refills
• Air quality monitoring app: IQAIR, AirVisual — allows you to check the PM10 level in Larnaka and Limassol in real time

During kalima in Cyprus:

• Close windows and doors
• Air conditioning filters the air (HEPA filter in modern air conditioners)
• If you must go outside: FFP2 or N95 mask filters PM2.5 and PM10
• Eye goggles if you have sensitive eyes
• Cypriot pharmacies sell masks and eye drops
• Drink plenty of water

Practical tips:

• Check the weather forecast before going out.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.

Hotels with air purifiers:

• Some hotels offer rooms with air purifiers. Ask when booking.

Hotels with air conditioning:

• Most hotels have air conditioning.

How to get around:

• Rent a car.
• Use public transport.
• Take a taxi.

What to eat:

• Cypriot cuisine is delicious.
• Try the local specialties.

What to do:

• Visit the beaches.
• Explore the historical sites.
• Enjoy the nightlife.

Cyprus in 2026:

• The Department of Environment of Cyprus: aeris.com.cy - current PM10 and PM2.5 for Larnaka, Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos
• European Air Quality Index (EAQI): airindex.eea.europa.eu - European Environment Agency database
• WHO Air Quality Guidelines 2021: new, stricter standards for PM2.5 (5 μg/m³ annual, 15 μg/m³ daily)

Quick Questions and Answers

Is Cyprus expensive? Compared to Western Europe, it's mid-range. Cheaper than France, Italy, Germany. More expensive than Poland, Bulgaria, Albania. Restaurant meal: 15-25 EUR/person. Hotel 3*: 60-100 EUR/night. Car rental: 25-45 EUR/day.

What language is spoken in Cyprus? Greek (official), English (widely spoken - a legacy of British rule). Service in English is readily available in tourist areas. Greek is not required.

Do I need a visa? No. Cyprus is in the EU since 2004. Poles enter with a personal ID.

Do credit cards work? Yes, Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere in cities. Small villages and markets - cash is useful. ATMs EUR available at every bank.

Tipping in Cyprus? Not mandatory, but appreciated. Standard: 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant, 1-2 EUR for a taxi on a short ride. For hotel service: 1-2 EUR/day for the maid.

Is Cyprus safe? Yes - one of the lowest crime rates in the EU. Police are visible. There are no typical "dangerous neighborhoods" like in other EU countries.

Internet in Cyprus? 4G/5G - 95% coverage in cities. Roaming EU without charges for Polish operators. Wi-Fi is usually good in hotels and cafes.

Opening hours of shops? Monday-Wednesday and Friday: 9:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:30. Thursday: 9:00-13:00 (closed afterwards). Saturday: 9:00-14:00. Sunday: closed (except for shopping malls). Note: Wednesday and Saturday afternoons are closed - this is a Cypriot tradition.

Kalima and Water

Kalima not only carries dust in the air - dust falls into the sea. Effect:

• Seawater may have a slightly cloudy color for 1-2 days after kalima
• Increased turbidity (cloudiness) - visibility while diving may decrease
• After 1-2 days the water returns to normal

For divers: check conditions with a dive company before booking a dive.

Kalima and Fruit and Wine Growers

Interesting aspect: Saharan dust contains iron and other minerals that can be fertilizer. Some studies suggest that the transport of Saharan dust to oceans and seas fuels phytoplankton. For Cyprus - dust lands on vineyards and orchards. Wine produced after a year with kalima may have trace mineral differences in the soil.

Cypriot winemakers (especially biodynamic) consider kalima as part of the natural cycle.

Kalima in Other Islands

The phenomenon is not unique to Cyprus. Other places affected:

• Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria): Kalima from the Sahara is so common there that locals accept it. Weeks of complete darkness occur
• Greece (Athens, Crete): Kalima several times a year
• Malta: Similar to Cyprus - proximity to Libya
• Cyprus: Due to its proximity to Libya and Egypt - particularly vulnerable to dust transport from the SE direction