canary islands

Weather warnings issued across the Canary Islands due to the Garoé squall

The Garoé squall brings heavy rain, storms, and high waves to the Canary Islands, prompting weather alerts across the archipelago.

The Canary Islands remain under weather alerts this Wednesday as the Garoé squall brings heavy rain, thunderstorms, and significant waves, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). All islands have been placed under yellow warnings and active pre-alerts due to adverse conditions, prompting residents and visitors to exercise caution.


Weather Conditions

The day will begin with overcast skies and light to moderate showers. In certain areas, rainfall is expected to be persistent and locally intense, with up to 15 litres per square metre in one hour, particularly affecting summits and the western and northern slopes.

  • Thunderstorms: Possible hail and occasional lightning activity may accompany the storms.
  • Snowfall: Snow is forecast at elevations between 2,100 and 2,300 metres, especially in the higher regions of Tenerife and La Palma.

Temperature Outlook

Weather warnings issued across the Canary Islands due to the Garoé squall

Temperatures will drop slightly across the archipelago:

  • Highs of 22°C are expected in Tenerife.
  • Lows of 11°C are forecast for El Hierro.

Island-Specific Forecast

  • Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: Morning clouds with moderate showers, clearing towards midday.
  • Gran Canaria: Similar conditions, but rainfall in the western and northern areas could be more persistent.
  • Tenerife: Cloud cover will dominate the northwest and northeast, with potential snowfall on the summits.
  • La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro: Persistent rain and thunderstorms are likely in higher-altitude regions.

Winds and Maritime Conditions

  • Wind: Initially blowing from the west with moderate intensity, strong gusts will affect higher altitudes and southern areas of the islands. By evening, winds will shift progressively to the north.
  • Sea: Coastal conditions will be particularly severe on the northern coasts, with swells reaching up to 5 metres due to a strong northwest swell.

Pre-Alerts Issued by the Canary Islands Government

Weather warnings issued across the Canary Islands due to the Garoé squall

The Directorate General for Emergencies has activated four pre-alerts based on the AEMET forecast:

  1. Wind Pre-Alert:
    • Effective from 00:00 on Tuesday, 21 January.
    • Affects specific areas in Tenerife (Vilaflor, Teno Massif, Granadilla, Arico, and Teide National Park) and La Palma (midlands, northwest slopes, eastern slopes, and summits).
    • Gusts of 70 km/h, reaching 90 km/h in the Teide region.
  2. Pre-Alert for Coastal Phenomena:
    • Effective from 03:00 on Tuesday, 21 January.
    • Impacts the northern and western coasts of La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and the northern coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
    • Swells of up to 5 metres are forecast.
  3. Pre-Alert for Rain:
    • Effective from 00:00 on Wednesday, 22 January.
    • Covers the entire archipelago.
    • Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected, with snowfall above 2,000 metres on Tenerife and La Palma.
  4. Pre-Alert for Storms:
    • Effective from 03:00 on Wednesday, 22 January.
    • Applies to all islands.
    • Forecast includes weak to moderate storms, locally strong, with possible small hail and lightning.

Impact Beyond the Canary Islands

Weather warnings issued across the Canary Islands due to the Garoé squall

Nationally, the Garoé squall will affect regions of mainland Spain, including:

  • Western Andalusia, Extremadura, and the Pyrenees: Heavy rainfall and high-altitude snowfall expected.
  • Galicia, the Gulf of Cadiz, and Empordà: Strong winds will prevail.
  • Temperature Trends: Declines are forecast for Galicia, Asturias, and the Canary Islands, while the northeast of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands will see a notable rise.

Precautions and Monitoring

Given the risks associated with heavy rain, storms, and high waves, the authorities urge residents and visitors to exercise caution, particularly in coastal and mountainous areas. The AEMET is closely monitoring the evolution of the squall and will issue updates as necessary.


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