Storm Regina continues to shape weather conditions across the Canary Islands this Wednesday, bringing a combination of rainfall, strong winds, snowfall at higher altitudes and the renewed presence of calima. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the most intense wind conditions are expected during the early hours of the day, with a gradual shift in wind direction and a decrease in intensity as the morning progresses.
General Overview
Light to moderate rainfall is forecast across much of the archipelago. The eastern islands will experience mostly cloudy skies with occasional clear spells around midday. During the early morning and early afternoon, showers are likely, some of which may be accompanied by isolated thunderstorms.
Across the rest of the islands, cloud cover will be more persistent in northern areas, where light to moderate rain is expected to continue throughout the day.
From the afternoon onwards, calima — airborne dust originating from North Africa — will spread across the islands, particularly affecting higher altitudes. While concentrations are expected to be generally light, visibility may be reduced in elevated areas.
Temperatures will remain largely stable, although slight increases are anticipated in maximum values. Minimum temperatures will show little variation. In the central peaks of Tenerife, light to moderate frosts are forecast, particularly during the early hours.
Wind Conditions
Strong north-westerly winds will dominate during the early part of the day, with very strong gusts affecting several areas:
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
- The peaks of Tenerife and La Palma
- North-eastern and south-western slopes of the mountainous islands
Gusts could reach up to 90 km/h in northern Lanzarote and up to 100 km/h in the higher elevations of Tenerife’s Dorsal ridge.
However, from mid-morning onwards, winds are expected to veer to a northerly direction and gradually decrease to moderate strength, although exposed high-altitude areas may continue to experience strong intervals.
Sea Conditions
Marine conditions remain adverse. Winds from the north or north-west of force 5 to 6 are expected, occasionally reaching force 7 during the early hours. The sea state will be rough to very rough at dawn.
North or north-westerly swells of 3 to 4 metres are forecast, increasing to 4 to 5 metres as the day progresses. These conditions may be accompanied by occasional heavy showers. Coastal areas exposed to the north and west will be particularly affected.
Island-by-Island Forecast
Lanzarote
Mostly cloudy skies with clearer spells around midday. Early morning showers may be locally intense and occasionally stormy. Calima will become noticeable in the afternoon, especially at higher elevations. Very strong gusts are expected early in the day, potentially reaching 90 km/h in northern areas, before easing to moderate northerly winds.
Fuerteventura
Cloudy intervals with morning showers that may be locally stormy. A light dust haze is expected later in the day. Winds will be strong from the north-west during the early hours, with a gradual decrease after mid-morning.
Gran Canaria
Predominantly cloudy conditions, especially in the north and west, where persistent rainfall is forecast, particularly in mid-altitude areas. Southern areas may become partly cloudy in the afternoon. Strong gusts are expected in north-eastern and south-western slopes and mountainous regions before moderating later in the day.
Tenerife
Cloudy skies will persist in the north, with continued light to moderate rainfall. Elsewhere, skies will be partly cloudy with occasional showers. Snow is expected above 2,000 metres, particularly around Mount Teide. Gusts could reach 100 km/h in high-altitude areas during the early morning. Frost is expected in the central peaks.
La Gomera
Cloudy in the north with persistent light to moderate rainfall. Southern lowlands may experience clearer intervals. Strong early morning gusts in elevated areas will ease to moderate northerly winds.
La Palma
Predominantly cloudy conditions, with persistent rainfall in the north and occasional showers elsewhere. Strong winds in mountainous areas during the early hours will weaken later in the day.
El Hierro
Cloudy intervals throughout the day, with light rainfall expected in northern areas by late afternoon. Strong northerly gusts early in the morning will decrease to moderate levels.
