Canary Islands Winter Was Warmer Than Average Despite Perception of Cold, Aemet Reports
Despite the perception of a harsh winter in the Canary Islands, the State Meteorological Agency reports that temperatures were actually above average, highlighting a climate trend where heavy rainfall fails to alleviate long-term water scarcity.
Many people in the Canary Islands felt this past winter was unusually harsh, pulling out warm clothes that had been tucked away for years. However, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) reports that the data tells a different story. Far from being a cold season, the winter actually saw temperatures 0.2 degrees above average, continuing the long-term trend of global warming despite what our collective memory might suggest.
Meteorologist José Miguel Viñas explains that this perception is due to complex weather patterns. While December and January were indeed cooler than usual, a notably warm February balanced out the averages. The real story of the winter wasn't the temperature, but the frequent rainfall caused by polar air shifting toward the south.
This unusual weather was driven by a high-pressure system over Scandinavia, which pushed storms like Emilia, Bram, Francis, and Ingrid off their typical paths. At the same time, the polar jet stream shifted toward Greenland, allowing freezing Arctic air to escape. David Suárez, an Aemet delegate in the islands, noted that the Azores High acted like a corridor, funneling these northern storm systems directly toward the archipelago.
Scientists are watching these patterns closely, suggesting that the loss of Arctic ice may be disrupting global weather. However, experts warn against being too optimistic. While the recent rain was welcome, it does not solve the region's long-term water shortages. High temperatures cause moisture to evaporate quickly, leading to "flash droughts." This paradox—where the ground dries out rapidly even after heavy rain—serves as a stark reminder that the climate crisis continues regardless of seasonal shifts.