The Canary Islands have recently moved past the peak of the heatwave that has been affecting the islands since April 10th, the date when the high temperature alert was first issued and subsequently downgraded to a pre-alert yesterday.
This thermal anomaly saw temperatures soaring up to 16 degrees above the norm for this time of year, still early in spring, culminating in record-breaking highs such as the 38 degrees Celsius recorded last week at Tenerife South Airport and in the town of Adeje.
Adding to the intense heat was the arrival of calima (haze), which has persisted for several days, compelling many individuals with respiratory issues or allergies to take precautions to safeguard their health.
Meanwhile, the remnants of Saharan dust in the island’s atmosphere, particularly affecting Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, are expected to start clearing today, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
This past winter marked an unusual record in the Canary Islands for Saharan dust presence, with almost 80 days of hazy conditions recorded across the archipelago—the highest since meteorological records began in the region.
Yesterday, the Canary Islands again reported the highest temperatures nationwide, with La Aldea de San Nicolás in southern Gran Canaria reaching 34.5 degrees Celsius, the hottest in the country. Other areas also recorded significantly high temperatures, such as Agulo in La Gomera with 33.1 degrees, La Dehesa in El Pinar on El Hierro with 32.8 degrees, and San Andrés y Sauces in northern La Palma with 32.2 degrees.
The highest wind gusts in Spain yesterday were also recorded in the Canary Islands, notably in Izaña with speeds reaching 81 kilometres per hour.
Today’s forecast from AEMET anticipates predominantly clear skies with a chance of light haze, which is expected to diminish throughout the day in the eastern half of the archipelago. While temperatures will slightly cool, a summer-like atmosphere will persist, potentially reaching 30 degrees Celsius in the mid-altitudes of the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria. Winds will be gentle, strengthening to moderate on the higher elevations.
Wednesday will see a similar pattern with a slight temperature reduction of one to two degrees, while Thursday will bring a more noticeable cooling, leading to a more pronounced drop in temperatures. Until then, the Canary Islands will continue to experience this brief summer spell in April before reverting to more typical spring conditions.
