Tenerife Heatwave Eases as Saharan Air Mass Recedes
Tenerife’s record-breaking September heatwave is beginning to subside as the Saharan air mass weakens and trade winds return to the Canary Islands.
The extreme heatwave that has gripped Tenerife is finally beginning to ease, signaling the end of an unusually hot start to September. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), Wednesday, September 9, 2026, marks the turning point as the Saharan air mass weakens, allowing temperatures to gradually return to normal for the Canary Islands.
The heatwave, caused by a mass of hot, dry air from Africa carrying suspended dust, brought record-breaking temperatures that topped 40°C in the island's most exposed areas. This weather pattern blocked the usual cooling ocean breezes that typically regulate the island's climate, significantly impacting daily life across the southern, eastern, and western slopes, as well as mid-altitude regions.
While conditions are stabilizing, the cooling process will be gradual. Temperatures are expected to remain high today, potentially reaching 34°C in higher and mid-altitude areas. However, the clearing of the haze—which had reduced visibility and lowered air quality—is a clear sign that the African air mass is moving away.
This event highlights how Tenerife’s unique landscape can intensify the impact of continental heat. Forecasters expect the weather to return to normal in the coming days as the trade winds and cooling ocean currents return, bringing an end to this period of intense heat.