The Canary Islands are entering a period of particularly adverse coastal weather, with dangerous sea conditions expected to affect much of the archipelago over the coming days. In addition to the alert already declared by the regional government, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated yellow warnings for this Friday due to rough seas and heavy swells.
According to the latest forecasts, wave heights could reach up to five metres, creating hazardous conditions along large stretches of the coastline and significantly increasing the risk to people near the sea.
Yellow warnings by island
AEMET has identified a high probability of adverse conditions (exceeding 70%) in most of the affected coastal zones. The main factor driving the situation is a combined north-westerly swell, which is expected to impact the islands as follows:
- La Palma: Yellow warning in force along the entire coastline, both eastern and western sectors, until the end of Friday.
- Tenerife: The highest risk is concentrated along the north coast and the metropolitan area, where hazardous sea conditions are expected throughout the day.
- El Hierro: The whole island remains under a yellow warning due to strong swells.
- Fuerteventura and Lanzarote: Warnings remain active on the north and west coasts, with waves expected to reach between four and five metres.
- Gran Canaria: A yellow warning is in place for the north coast, where waves could reach up to four metres.
Sea behaviour and most affected areas
The forecast highlights a long wave period of more than 12 seconds, a factor that greatly increases the force with which waves break along the coast. This means that even if wave heights fluctuate, the energy of the sea will be particularly intense, posing a serious risk to coastal infrastructure and public safety.
Authorities stress that the north and west coasts will be the most severely affected. While the east and south coasts of the mountainous islands are expected to experience comparatively milder conditions, they are not risk-free, and caution remains essential.
High tides raise flood risk
A major concern for emergency services is the coincidence of strong swells with high tides, which substantially increases the risk of water overflowing onto promenades, coastal roads and urban seafront areas.
The most critical high-tide windows are expected at the following times:
- Friday:
- Early morning: 3:30 a.m. – 4:10 a.m.
- Afternoon: 3:55 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday:
- Early morning: 4:10 a.m. – 4:45 a.m.
- Afternoon: 4:30 p.m. – 5:05 p.m.
During these periods, the risk of coastal flooding and wave overtopping will be at its highest.
Weather outlook: cooler temperatures, wind and rain
Alongside the deteriorating sea conditions, AEMET forecasts a moderate drop in temperatures, particularly in higher inland areas. Skies are expected to remain cloudy in northern zones, with light but persistent rain, while the rest of the archipelago may experience intermittent showers.
Winds will blow predominantly from the north-west, with strong intervals on exposed slopes and very strong gusts in the highlands of Tenerife, further contributing to unstable conditions.
Safety advice
Given the severity of the forecast, authorities are urging the public to avoid approaching breakwaters, docks and exposed coastal areas, and to refrain from all nautical and maritime activities until conditions improve. The situation is being closely monitored, and further warnings may be issued if conditions worsen.
