Calima episodes generally last between 2 to 5 days, although the duration can vary from a few hours up to about a week depending on specific atmospheric conditions and wind patterns. The intensity tends to be greater in the first few days and then gradually decreases as the dust-laden air clears from the atmosphere. This pattern is common in the Canary Islands where calima arises from Saharan dust carried by winds.
Key points on Calima duration:
- Typical duration: 2 to 5 days.
- Possible variation: a few hours to about a week.
- Intensity highest initially, then subsides.
- Occurs with dusty winds from the Sahara Desert.
- More common from summer to autumn, but can occur any time.
This information reflects how long calima usually lasts and the general behavior of this atmospheric phenomenon.
