The Canary Islands are enduring a powerful heatwave, with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) predicting another day of high temperatures and calima (suspended dust) on Wednesday, 17 September. In Gran Canaria, inland regions like Tejeda could witness maximum temperatures reaching 37ºC, while the rest of the archipelago is also set to experience unusually high readings for this time of year.
General Forecast
The weather across the islands will predominantly feature clear skies, occasionally interrupted by high or medium cloud cover. The calima will be particularly dense at mid-altitudes and in mountainous areas, with dust concentrations exceeding 200 micrograms per cubic metre, raising concerns regarding air quality.
Maritime Conditions
At sea, winds from the east and northeast are expected at forces 5 or 6, occasionally dropping to 3 or 4 in the northeast. This will produce swell or heavy swell, combined with a north swell that could generate waves up to 2 metres. On the eastern coasts, winds will be lighter, varying between forces 1 and 3, leading to choppier seas.
Forecast by Island
Tenerife
- Skies: Mostly clear, with high and medium cloud intervals. Possible low clouds in the northeast.
- Precipitation: AEMET does not rule out isolated showers on Mount Teide.
- Calima: Strong, especially at mid-altitudes and low-lying areas.
- Temperatures: Up to 34ºC in mid-altitude zones and along the southern coast.
La Gomera
- Skies: Predominantly clear with high clouds.
- Calima: Intense at mid-altitudes and peaks, also extending to coastal regions.
- Temperatures: Maximums of 34ºC expected in the southern and western midlands.
- Wind: Light from the east, with afternoon breezes.
La Palma
- Skies: Sunny with occasional high and medium clouds.
- Calima: Present across the island, particularly strong at high altitudes.
- Temperatures: Highs of 34ºC in El Paso and on the western slopes. Night-time lows will remain elevated, above 26ºC in many areas.
Lanzarote
- Skies: Generally clear, with cloud intervals in the northeast and east, plus some high clouds.
- Calima: Intensifying during the afternoon, affecting even low-lying areas.
- Temperatures: Highs of 32–35ºC, particularly inland.
- Wind: Moderate from the northeast.
Fuerteventura
- Skies: Mostly clear with high and medium clouds.
- Calima: Stronger in the afternoon, concentrated at altitude but also descending to coastal and inland areas.
- Temperatures: Between 32 and 35ºC, with night-time lows that may not fall below 25ºC.
- Wind: Moderate from the northeast.
Gran Canaria
- Skies: Clear with occasional high clouds.
- Calima: Widespread, particularly in the midlands and peaks of the south, extending into lower areas. Concentrations could exceed 200 micrograms/m³.
- Temperatures: The highest heat in the archipelago, with maximums reaching 37ºC in Tejeda, southern and western midlands. Night-time minimums will remain above 26ºC on the south and west slopes.
Health and Safety Warnings
Authorities continue to advise residents and visitors to:
- Avoid exposure to the sun during midday hours.
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the day.
- Reduce strenuous physical activity during the hottest hours.
- Exercise extreme caution in rural and forested areas, as the risk of fire remains high.
This updated forecast underscores the ongoing heatwave, with no significant relief expected until later in the week.
