The Canary Islands are under meteorological warnings as storms and heavy rainfall are forecast for this Monday. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) predicts cloudy skies with occasional showers, some of which could be heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms, especially during the central hours of the day. The easternmost islands are expected to experience weaker or moderate rain, while showers are not ruled out on northern slopes later in the evening.
Weather Conditions
Temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged, with a slight increase possible inland. Highs are predicted to reach 25°C in Tenerife, while the lowest temperature, 16°C, is forecast for El Hierro. Winds will range from light to moderate from the south, with stronger gusts at higher altitudes. On the peaks of the more mountainous islands, particularly Tenerife, winds from the southwest could intensify to very strong levels during the early hours. Breezes are expected along northern coasts.
At sea, winds from the south or southwest will reach force 3 to 5, occasionally increasing to 6, accompanied by moderate swells. Variable winds of force 1 to 3 with slight swells are also expected. Swell from the northwest will bring waves between 1 and 2 metres, alongside showers, isolated thunderstorms, and reduced visibility.
Aemet Weather Warnings
An orange warning has been issued for La Palma, predicting heavy rainfall from 08:00 Monday until 14:59 Tuesday. Up to 30 litres per square metre could fall in one hour, particularly affecting the northern and western regions of the island during the first half of the day and the eastern slopes later. Rainfall accumulation over 12 hours may reach 100 mm. Yellow warnings are also in effect for La Palma, covering thunderstorms on the summits, east, and west of the island until 14:59 Tuesday.
Additional yellow warnings apply to Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria. These are active from 12:00 Monday to 14:59 Tuesday, with rainfall potentially reaching 20 litres per square metre in one hour. On Gran Canaria, the warning remains active from 08:00 to 17:59 Monday, where rain could reach 15 litres per square metre in the south, east, and west. On Tenerife, La Gomera, and El Hierro, accumulated rainfall could reach 60 litres per square metre in 12 hours, with the possibility of even higher amounts in the north of Tenerife, including the metropolitan area.
Rain Alert Issued by the Canary Islands Government
In response to the weather forecast, the Government of the Canary Islands has declared a rain alert for La Palma, starting at 03:00 Monday. The rest of the archipelago remains in a pre-alert for rain and storms, which was declared on Friday, 15 November. Rainfall is expected to be unevenly distributed across the islands.
The heaviest and most persistent rain is forecast for the western and southern slopes of the mountainous islands, particularly in the western islands like La Palma, where 100 mm or more in 12 hours (or 200 mm in 24 hours) could be recorded. Stormy showers and isolated thunderstorms are likely, accompanied by strong wind gusts and significant rainfall.
Precautions and Safety Advice
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid non-essential outdoor activities during periods of heavy rainfall or thunderstorms. Stay informed via official updates from Aemet and the Canary Islands Government. Use caution when traveling, particularly on roads prone to water accumulation. These measures will help reduce risks and ensure safety during the adverse weather conditions expected across the archipelago.
