The Canary Islands have ended the 2023-2024 hydrological year, which began on 1 October 2023 and concluded on 30 September, in a severe drought situation. Rainfall across the archipelago was, on average, 50% below normal values, significantly impacting the region. Particularly in the southern parts of the islands with the greatest relief and almost the entirety of Fuerteventura, less than 50 litres per square metre of rainfall were recorded during this period.
According to the balance published by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) on Thursday, the rest of Spain experienced a relatively wet hydrological year, with a total rainfall of 671 litres per square metre—5% above the national average. However, the distribution of rainfall across Spain was highly uneven. While the northwest and central parts of the peninsula saw abundant rainfall, regions such as the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and areas of eastern Spain, which were already suffering from prolonged dry conditions over the past three years, did not receive enough rain to alleviate the drought.
Historical Context and Geographic Disparities
This year marks the 26th wettest hydrological year in Spain since records began in 1961, but the situation remains dire for many parts of the Mediterranean and both archipelagos. Despite the overall increase in rainfall across much of the country, these regions continue to face long-term drought conditions. The southeast of the peninsula, including the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, and Almería, remains particularly affected, with some areas recording less than 120 litres per square metre, and in certain zones, even less than 80 litres.
In contrast, the northwest of Spain, especially in the Cantabrian region, the Pyrenees, and parts of western Galicia, saw rainfall well above average. For instance, more than 1,500 litres per square metre were recorded in some areas, with parts of Galicia exceeding 2,500 litres. This stark difference highlights the uneven distribution of rain throughout the year.
Severe Drought in the Canary Islands
In the Canary Islands, the situation is critical. The south of the higher-altitude islands, as well as much of Fuerteventura, recorded exceptionally low rainfall, with less than 50 litres per square metre throughout the entire hydrological year. The lack of rain exacerbates the ongoing drought, affecting water resources, agriculture, and the ecosystem across the islands.
The Influence of Atlantic Squalls
The uneven distribution of rainfall this year can be attributed to the dominance of Atlantic squalls over the Mediterranean weather patterns typically responsible for more localised rain in the region. According to Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo, this led to much higher than normal rainfall in the north and northwest, while the southern and southeastern regions, including the Canary Islands, remained dry.
For instance, the northern and northwestern basins received 123% of the normal rainfall, with parts of Galicia reaching 150% of average levels. Meanwhile, the Tagus basin saw 127% of its normal rainfall. However, southern Spain and regions such as the Segura basin and the Canary Islands received only around half of their typical rainfall, with the Segura basin receiving just 50% of the usual amount.
The Canary Islands’ ongoing drought continues to worsen, and with no significant rainfall forecasted in the near future, the situation remains a pressing concern. The drastic reduction in rainfall has significant implications for the region’s water supply, agriculture, and overall environmental health. As a result, the archipelago may continue to face serious challenges as it contends with this long-term drought.
