Today, Teide awoke adorned with a striking “sombrero” cloud, a natural phenomenon that continues to amaze residents and visitors alike. This breathtaking sight not only highlights the beauty of the island but also signals the arrival of anticipated weather changes, as forecasted by Aemet.
The so-called “hat” is actually a lenticular altocumulus cloud, typically forming at mid-levels in the atmosphere over mountainous areas or regions with strong winds. Shaped like a lens or a saucer, these clouds occur when humid air rapidly ascends upon meeting a mountain or hill. The air cools, condenses in layers, and forms elongated clouds that appear to hover above the peak, stationary in their majestic display.

Meteorologists often see lenticular clouds as a precursor to unstable weather, which is consistent with the forecast for today in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Cloudy intervals will give way to showers by midday, primarily affecting the northern slopes of the island.
Temperatures are expected to hold steady or experience a slight increase along the coast, while a minor drop is likely in inland areas and higher altitudes. Forecasted temperatures range between 27°C on the coast and a cooler 21°C inland.

The wind will blow from the southwest to west, with occasional strong gusts in exposed areas in the afternoon, gradually shifting northwest by the evening. In the high-altitude areas of Tenerife and La Palma, the west wind is expected to be strong to very strong, particularly over Tenerife, before tapering off by day’s end.
As the weather changes over the island, Teide’s dramatic sombrero cloud offers both a visual treat and a reminder of the elements shaping this unique volcanic landscape.