The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a new update warning of intense rainfall and adverse weather conditions in the Canary Islands linked to the passage of Storm Francis, which will affect the islands throughout Thursday, 1 January, and into the early hours of the following days. The information was released in an official statement this Thursday.
A storm system directly impacting the archipelago
According to the agency’s forecast, the storm will make itself felt across the archipelago today, generating a south-westerly maritime storm, especially along exposed coastlines. The event is expected to bring:
- Very strong wind gusts
- Locally heavy and persistent showers
- Stormy episodes travelling west-to-east through the day and upcoming night
The intensity of the rain, combined with unstable atmospheric conditions, has already led to heightened alerts across various islands.
Strong winds will persist for days
AEMET warns that strong winds will continue in exposed and mid-altitude areas at least until midday on 3 January, potentially extending the effects of the storm across the islands. In many zones — especially ridges, peaks and windward slopes — the gusts could exceed 90–100 km/h.
The agency emphasises that the storm develops within a high-uncertainty meteorological context, both in terms of the system’s evolution and its possible impact on outdoor activities. For this reason, residents are urged to closely monitor updated forecasts and official safety warnings.
Forecast for Friday, 2 January
On Friday, weather conditions remain unstable:
Western islands
- Cloudy skies, particularly on the western slopes
- Light and occasional showers in the morning
- Increasing cloudiness from midday, with light to moderate rain more likely in the west and north
- Some clear spells may open late in the day
Temperatures
- Little change overall
- Light frosts possible in mountain areas
- Values ranging from 22°C in Tenerife to 12°C in El Hierro
Wind
- South-westerly winds, strong in the northwest and southeast
- Very strong gusts on ridges and peaks
- Central peaks may exceed 90–100 km/h
- Winds expected to ease and shift to westerly by late afternoon, though gusts will persist in higher areas
Province of Las Palmas
Gran Canaria
- Morning: cloudy on western and southwestern slopes, chance of light occasional rain
- Elsewhere: slightly cloudy
- From midday: widespread cloudiness with light to moderate rainfall, more likely in the southwest
- Clear intervals possible at the end of the day
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
- Early hours: cloudy skies with locally heavy showers, potentially accompanied by storms
- Morning: intervals of cloud
- Afternoon: becoming cloudy again with a chance of light to moderate rain
Temperatures
- Minor changes expected
- Slight rise in minimum temperatures in northeastern areas
- In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 17°C – 22°C
Wind
- Strong south-westerly winds in the northwest, east, and high areas
- Very strong gusts likely, particularly on the northern side
- Winds expected to ease and turn westerly late in the afternoon
