The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has reactivated yellow-level weather warnings across much of the Canary Islands due to the arrival of a powerful north-westerly swell, creating a high-intensity risk scenario along exposed coastlines.
According to forecasts, maritime conditions will deteriorate significantly from the afternoon of Thursday, 5 February, with adverse conditions persisting throughout Friday. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly in coastal areas.
Dangerous Sea Conditions Expected
The main concern is a combined north-westerly sea, expected to generate waves of between 4 and 5 metres, especially along the north and west coasts of the islands. This type of swell carries high energy and can produce sudden and unpredictable wave surges, capable of reaching promenades and coastal infrastructure.
Activation of Warnings by Island and Time
The deterioration will progress from west to east across the archipelago over the course of Thursday:
La Palma
- Warning active from 3:00 p.m.
- Affects the entire coastline
- West winds strengthening to force 5–6 offshore
Tenerife and El Hierro
- Warning active from 6:00 p.m.
- In Tenerife, the highest risk is concentrated along the north coast and the metropolitan area
- Swells of up to 4 metres, intensifying during the early hours of Friday
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
- Warning active from 9:00 p.m.
- Initial north-westerly swell of 3–4 metres, expected to increase overnight
Across coastal waters, winds will blow mainly from the west and south-west, occasionally reaching force 6 in:
- Inter-island channels
- Offshore areas
- North-west and south-east coastal slopes
Warnings Extended into Friday, 6 February
The risk situation will continue and expand on Friday. From midnight, the north coast of Gran Canaria will be added to the yellow warning list due to combined seas of 4 to 5 metres.
For islands already under warning—La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura—alerts will remain active throughout Friday. The highest wave energy is expected along north-facing coastlines, where the swell will strike with maximum force.
Official Recommendations and Safety Advice
Given the severity of the conditions, authorities strongly advise residents and visitors to:
- Avoid coastal promenades, breakwaters, piers and exposed shoreline areas
- Do not swim at beaches displaying red flags
- Refrain from approaching the sea to take photographs
- Be particularly cautious in inter-island channels, where conditions may become rough to very rough
While some eastern and southern sheltered coasts may experience calmer conditions, with variable winds of force 1 to 3, the sea state can change rapidly and without warning.
Ongoing Monitoring
AEMET and emergency services will continue to monitor the situation closely, and further updates may be issued if conditions worsen. The public is advised to stay informed through official channels and follow all safety instructions until the warnings are lifted.
