On Sunday, skies in the Canary Islands will remain mostly clear, with some cloudy intervals in the northeast during the early and late hours, and high clouds appearing in the afternoon.
- Temperatures: Slight declines are expected, more noticeable inland, though values will still remain warm. Highs may reach 30 °C in the southeast, south, and west of the islands, while in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria temperatures will range from 22 °C to 26 °C. In Tenerife, highs will hover around 26 °C, with minimums of 17 °C in El Hierro.
- Winds: Moderate from the northeast, with strong intervals on the southeast coast and the far west. In high central areas, moderate northwesterly winds could bring very strong gusts.
The Summer of San Miguel
This warm spell coincides with what is known in Spanish meteorology as the “Summer of San Miguel”, a short, dry and warm period that usually occurs in autumn around 29 September, the feast day of Saint Michael. It typically lasts about a week, bringing “summer-like days” before the arrival of true autumn weather with lower temperatures and greater rainfall chances.
- The southern slopes, midlands, and inland areas of the larger islands are expected to see temperatures close to or above 30 °C.
- On Monday, a slight drop in temperatures will be felt, but the overall trend remains one of stability and warmth, with conditions staying above the seasonal average for the first half of October.
Why It Happens
The phenomenon is linked to a reinforced anticyclone and a positive NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation), combined with a polar jet stream at higher latitudes that prevents instability from reaching the region. This setup favours trade wind–Saharan patterns and stable conditions over the next 10–15 days.
Recommendations
Authorities remind residents and visitors to take precautions during this period of unusual heat for early autumn:
- Stay hydrated and use sun protection during peak hours.
- Exercise caution outdoors, especially in midlands and inland areas where heat and dryness are more intense.
- Pay attention to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with health conditions.
