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Risk levels increase in the Canary Islands: Strong winds and high waves expected

AEMET raises risk levels in the Canary Islands, warning of strong winds and high waves, with Lanzarote under an orange alert.

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has updated its warnings for the Canary Islands, increasing the level of risk in several areas due to worsening weather conditions. Forecasts indicate a rise in wind intensity and rough seas, with the most significant impact expected on Lanzarote, La Gomera, and parts of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and La Palma.


Escalating Weather Conditions Across the Archipelago

Since Thursday, January 30, adverse wind and sea conditions have prompted risk warnings across multiple islands. The latest forecast highlights intensified coastal phenomena and stronger gusts of wind, leading to an orange warning for Lanzarote and yellow warnings for other islands.

Lanzarote Under Orange Alert

Risk levels increase in the Canary Islands: Strong winds and high waves expected

  • The most severe weather impact is expected in Lanzarote, where an orange alert has been issued due to adverse coastal conditions.
  • A combined north swell is predicted to generate waves between 5 and 6 metres, making maritime activities highly dangerous.

Wind Warnings for Other Islands

  • La Gomera: Yellow warning remains in effect, with maximum wind gusts of up to 80 km/h, and occasional peaks of 90 km/h in the most exposed areas.
  • Gran Canaria, La Palma, El Hierro, and Tenerife:
    • Summits and southeastern and northwestern slopes will experience wind gusts of up to 70 km/h, prompting yellow warnings.

Weather Alerts for Friday and Saturday

Risk levels increase in the Canary Islands: Strong winds and high waves expected

Friday, January 31:

  • The unstable weather pattern will persist, with orange alerts continuing in Lanzarote due to strong coastal activity.
  • Waves are expected to remain high until nightfall.
  • Wind Warnings:
    • La Gomera: Yellow alert remains, with gusts reaching 80 km/h.
    • Lanzarote: Winds will intensify from 18:00, with speeds of up to 70 km/h in northern and elevated inland areas.
    • Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma, and El Hierro: Wind conditions remain unstable, with persistent yellow alerts in effect.

Saturday, February 1:

  • The situation is expected to improve gradually, though strong winds will continue on the summits of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and La Gomera.
  • Early morning gusts may still reach 70 km/h in affected areas.

Maritime Conditions and Coastal Warnings

Risk levels increase in the Canary Islands: Strong winds and high waves expected

Rough seas will continue to pose a significant risk, particularly in the following regions:

  • Yellow alert remains active for waves along the east, south, and west coasts of:
    • Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Tenerife, and La Gomera.
  • Northeast winds of force 7 will impact coastal areas.
  • Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: The combined sea is expected to maintain wave heights between 4 and 5 metres in the early morning hours.

The warnings will remain in place until Saturday morning, when a gradual decrease in wind and wave intensity is expected.

Precautionary Measures & Recommendations

  • Exercise caution near coastal areas, especially in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, due to dangerous sea conditions.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel in exposed high-altitude regions where strong wind gusts pose a risk.
  • Monitor AEMET updates for real-time weather alerts and changes in forecasted conditions.

The Canary Islands are set to experience a challenging weather period, with strong winds and high waves persisting until early Saturday, when gradual improvement is expected.


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