27/10/2026
What's the weather like? ....
There is a stereotype that island weather is lush, blue skies and sunshine every day. Our islands are a bit unique because of their unusual location. Because we are so close to Africa, this phenomenon called "Calima" is a common occurrence.
Calima is when the winds blow the Saharan dessert sand across our islands. This is why most of the islands have a very dry climate with little greenery. Days with Calima look foggy with a red tint (much like the Sepia filter on a picture) and keeps locals inside so that too much dust doesn't enter their house (or lungs). It covers houses, cars, anything outside and (if you keep your windows open which we do because we don't have AC) it covers over things inside too.
Also, when the island receives rain, it is unusual and complicated because the island's infrastructure isn't prepared for large amounts of rain. The rain pushes the dust down and sticks to everything.
This week we have an unusual weather pattern of heavy calima with small bouts of rain 🥴
