A marked change in weather conditions is set to affect the Canary Islands on Wednesday, 25 February. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, has warned of a significant fall in maximum temperatures across several parts of the archipelago, alongside strengthening north winds and increasing cloud cover that could bring light rainfall.
Increasing cloud and possible showers
The day is expected to begin with largely clear skies in many areas. However, as the morning progresses, cloud will build up over the northern slopes of the mountainous islands. From around midday onwards, light and occasional rain cannot be ruled out in these zones.
On the eastern islands, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura will see cloudy intervals becoming more widespread, with skies turning overcast during the night. Light rain is considered more likely in Lanzarote during the late hours.
Noticeable drop in temperatures
The most striking feature of the day will be the fall in temperatures. Maximum values will decrease across the entire archipelago, with the change felt most clearly in inland and higher areas of the western islands and Gran Canaria.
Tenerife and Gran Canaria are forecast to reach highs of around 21°C. La Palma will record the coolest daytime temperatures, with maximum values not expected to exceed 18°C. Minimum temperatures will be lowest in El Hierro, La Palma and Lanzarote, where thermometers could drop to around 14°C.
Strengthening winds and rougher seas
Winds will blow at moderate strength from the north during the early part of the day, but conditions are expected to intensify significantly. Strong gusts are forecast on the eastern and western slopes of the higher islands, as well as in inland and mountainous areas. By the afternoon, AEMET warns that very strong gusts could develop in exposed locations.
At sea, conditions will also deteriorate. Winds are expected to increase to force 3 to 6 from the north or north-west. A north-westerly swell of up to two metres is forecast in the western islands and up to three metres in the eastern islands, rising further from dawn to between three and five metres, accompanied by haze in some areas.
Island-by-island overview
- Tenerife: Cloudy in the north with light rain possible; partly cloudy elsewhere. Temperatures between 16°C and 21°C. Moderate north wind, with very strong gusts in the afternoon.
- Gran Canaria: Cloudy in the north with rain; high cloud intervals in the south. 16°C to 21°C. Strong north winds on eastern and western slopes, with very strong gusts.
- La Palma: Cloudy from early in the day, with occasional rain. 14°C to 18°C. North winds with very strong gusts on slopes and summits.
- Lanzarote: Increasing cloud, overcast at night with possible light rain. 14°C to 22°C. North winds, locally strong inland during the afternoon.
- Fuerteventura: Cloudy intervals, low probability of rain at night. 15°C to 21°C. North winds, stronger inland and in Jandía.
- La Gomera: Cloudy in the north with occasional rain; clearer elsewhere. 16°C to 22°C. North winds, very strong in high areas and on exposed slopes.
- El Hierro: Cloud increasing in the north from midday, with light rain possible. 14°C to 19°C. North winds, very strong in the south-east and inland.
Overall, Wednesday will mark a pronounced shift towards cooler, windier and more unsettled conditions across the Canary Islands, with residents and visitors advised to remain attentive to official updates and warnings.
