The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has updated its weather forecast for Tuesday, 3 February 2026, activating yellow-level warnings on several Canary Islands due to dangerous sea conditions and unstable weather. The situation has prompted the Canary Islands Government to maintain a pre-alert status across the archipelago.
The day is expected to be dominated by rough seas, strong swells and variable cloud cover, with different impacts across the western and eastern islands.
Yellow Warning for Coastal Phenomena
The primary concern for emergency services is the state of the sea. AEMET has issued a yellow warning for coastal phenomena caused by a combined north-westerly swell, which will generate large and potentially dangerous waves.
Areas under yellow warning:
- Tenerife: especially the north coast and the metropolitan area
- La Palma: east and west coasts
- Lanzarote: the entire island
Wave heights are expected to reach 3 to 4 metres, with temporary peaks of up to 5 metres along north-facing coasts, particularly during the early morning hours. Winds of force 4 to 6 will further aggravate sea conditions, producing heavy swells and unpredictable wave behaviour.
Canary Islands Government Maintains Pre-Alert
Alongside AEMET’s warnings, the Directorate-General for Emergencies has confirmed that a pre-alert for coastal phenomena remains in place for most of the Canary Islands. This decision follows a risk assessment carried out under the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Conditions (PEFMA), which evaluates the combined impact of sea state, tides and wind.
Areas affected by the pre-alert:
- Western and central islands: La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria
- Eastern islands: northern and western coasts of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
Why the Situation Is Particularly Dangerous
Authorities have highlighted several factors that significantly increase the level of risk along the coast:
- Extreme tidal coefficient: above 90, meaning exceptionally high tides that may flood areas normally unaffected by the sea.
- Long wave periods: exceeding 12 seconds, indicating high-energy swells capable of breaking with considerable force.
- Wave height: combined swells of 3–4 metres, potentially higher at exposed points.
Because of these conditions, waves may reach promenades, breakwaters and coastal infrastructure without warning.
Official Safety Advice
The Canary Islands Government urges residents and visitors to take the situation seriously and follow these recommendations:
- Avoid coastal promenades, breakwaters, piers and cliffs
- Do not swim at beaches with red flags or in unsupervised areas
- Do not approach the shoreline to take photographs
- Secure boats in ports and marinas
Authorities stress that the sea can behave unpredictably under these conditions, even during brief periods of apparent calm.
Weather Forecast by Island
Tenerife
- Sky: Overcast in the north, with light and occasional rain, mainly in mid-altitude areas; cloud cover spreading southwards later in the day
- Temperatures: Maximum around 22°C
- Wind: Strong north-westerly winds with very strong gusts in central mountain areas during the morning
Gran Canaria
- Sky: Cloudy in the north at dawn with a low chance of drizzle in mid-altitudes; cloud cover shifting south in the afternoon
- Temperatures: Between 18°C and 21°C in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
- Sky: Cloudy intervals with possible light, scattered rain in the morning; high clouds dominating later
- Temperatures: Up to 22°C in Puerto del Rosario and 21°C in Arrecife
La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro
- Generally stable weather, with high clouds towards the end of the day
- El Hierro: Coldest minimum temperatures in the archipelago, around 12°C in higher areas
- La Palma: Winds shifting west and gradually easing throughout the day
When Will Conditions Improve?
Sea conditions are expected to gradually improve late on Tuesday, with heavy swells giving way to moderate conditions. However, authorities advise the public to remain alert and follow updates from AEMET until the warning is officially lifted.
