The weather in the Canary Islands is set to become noticeably more unsettled this Wednesday, as the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) forecasts increased cloud cover, light drizzle in several areas, and episodes of very strong wind gusts across parts of the archipelago.
According to the latest forecast, the northern sides of the islands will be most affected by the change in conditions. Cloudy skies are expected throughout much of the day below altitudes of approximately 1,100 to 1,300 metres, while light and occasional drizzle may develop during the early morning hours, particularly in north-eastern mid-altitude areas.
As the day progresses, cloud cover is expected to gradually break up, allowing for longer sunny intervals and clearer skies during the afternoon. Elsewhere in the archipelago, weather conditions will remain generally more stable, with partly cloudy or mostly clear skies dominating large areas.
Morning cloud banks may still appear in south-western parts of the higher islands, as well as in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, although these are expected to thin out as the morning advances.
Temperatures Remain Stable Across Most of the Archipelago
Temperatures will show little variation compared with previous days, although a slight decrease is expected in some inland and mid-altitude areas, especially on southern slopes.
The highest temperatures of the day are forecast in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where thermometers could reach 26°C, while the coolest conditions are anticipated in Valverde on El Hierro, with minimum temperatures falling to around 15°C.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, temperatures are expected to range between 20°C and 23°C.
Despite the relatively stable temperatures, weather conditions will feel different in many areas due to the strengthening trade winds and increased cloud cover.
Aemet Warns of Very Strong Gusts in Exposed Areas
One of the most significant features of the forecast will be the strengthening of the trade winds. Aemet expects moderate trade winds across much of the archipelago, although strong intervals are likely on south-eastern slopes and in the far north-west of several islands. Meteorologists warn that occasional very strong gusts cannot be ruled out, particularly during the early hours of the morning.
These strongest gusts are expected to affect exposed areas of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, where local topography tends to intensify wind speeds.
In contrast, lighter conditions are expected in western and south-western coastal areas, where sea breezes will predominate. On the summits of Tenerife, winds are forecast to remain generally light to moderate.
Rougher Seas Expected Due to Strengthening Winds
Sea conditions will also reflect the strengthening trade winds. Northeasterly winds of force 5 to 6 are expected across large areas, occasionally reaching force 7 in south-eastern and north-western sectors. These conditions will generate strong swells and locally rough seas.
Along north-eastern coasts, winds will generally range between force 3 and 5, accompanied by moderate swell conditions. In south-west-facing coastal areas, lighter and more variable winds of force 1 to 3 are forecast, although northerly swells will continue to generate waves of between one and two metres.
Island-by-Island Forecast
Tenerife
Cloudy skies are expected in northern areas below 1,100 to 1,300 metres, with possible light drizzle in north-eastern mid-altitude areas during the morning. Conditions will improve during the afternoon with increasing sunny intervals. Elsewhere, skies will remain mostly clear with some cloud patches in the south-west. Strong trade winds and very strong gusts are possible in exposed south-eastern and north-western areas. Temperatures will range between 20°C and 26°C.
Gran Canaria
Northern parts of the island will remain cloudy below 1,100 metres, with occasional drizzle possible during the early morning in mid-altitude areas. Skies are expected to clear gradually during the afternoon. Temperatures will remain stable or fall slightly inland, ranging between 20°C and 23°C. Strong trade winds with occasional very strong gusts are expected in exposed south-eastern and north-western areas.
Lanzarote
Cloudier conditions are expected in northern areas during the early hours, becoming increasingly sunny as the morning progresses. Temperatures will remain largely unchanged, ranging between 19°C and 25°C. Moderate trade winds will prevail, becoming locally strong in southern areas during the first part of the day.
Fuerteventura
Intervals of cloud are expected during the morning before giving way to sunnier conditions. Temperatures will remain stable or decrease slightly, with values between 19°C and 24°C. Stronger gusts may occur in western areas and on the slopes of the Jandía peninsula.
La Palma
Northern and eastern areas below 1,100 to 1,300 metres will experience cloudy skies and occasional drizzle during the morning. Conditions will improve during the afternoon. Temperatures may fall slightly in western mid-altitude areas. Very strong gusts are possible in El Paso and exposed south-eastern and north-western sectors. Temperatures will range between 19°C and 22°C.
La Gomera
Cloudy skies will dominate northern areas below 1,100 metres, with a chance of light drizzle during the morning. Elsewhere, skies will remain partly cloudy. Strong trade winds with very strong gusts are possible in eastern and north-western areas. Temperatures will remain stable between 20°C and 24°C.
El Hierro
Cloud cover will affect northern areas below 1,000 metres, accompanied by occasional morning drizzle in mid-altitude zones. Skies will become increasingly clear during the afternoon. Temperatures will range from 15°C to 20°C. Very strong wind gusts may affect exposed south-eastern and north-western sectors during the early hours of the day.
The overall outlook points to a typical trade-wind weather pattern, although stronger winds and occasional drizzle will make conditions feel noticeably different across parts of the Canary Islands, particularly during the morning hours.
