Canary Islands Brace for Heat, Strong Winds, and Calima

The Canary Islands are bracing for a day of unsettled weather this Friday, with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) warning of a combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and Saharan dust (calima).

Temperatures are expected to climb across the archipelago. In Tenerife, the capital and southern lowlands will see highs between 23°C and 31°C. Similar heat is forecast elsewhere, with Lanzarote and Gran Canaria reaching up to 30°C and 32°C, respectively. Fuerteventura could also hit 32°C in the southeast, while La Gomera and La Palma will hover around 30°C and 29°C. El Hierro remains the coolest spot, with temperatures in Valverde expected to reach a moderate 21°C.

Wind will be a significant factor throughout the day. AEMET has issued warnings for moderate north and northeasterly winds, with particularly strong gusts expected in Tenerife’s Anaga massif. Similar conditions are forecast for the southeast of Lanzarote, the southern slopes of Jandía in Fuerteventura, and parts of Gran Canaria by the afternoon. At sea, conditions are being monitored closely, with force 3 to 5 winds and swells reaching up to two meters.

The skies will be varied. While high clouds will be common across most islands, northern areas of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and La Palma may see low clouds early in the day. There is a slight chance of light rain in the inland areas of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Gomera during the afternoon. Additionally, light calima will affect visibility and cloud the sky across several islands, including El Hierro and Lanzarote.