A mass of polar air originating in Canada is set to move towards Spain in the coming days, bringing a notable drop in temperatures across much of the mainland as the week draws to a close. According to meteorologist José Antonio Maldonado of Meteored, the shift in weather patterns will follow the passage of a frontal system that will allow colder air to penetrate from higher latitudes.
While mainland Spain is expected to experience a more pronounced cooling trend, the impact on the Canary Islands will be different in nature. Rather than a sharp temperature decline, the archipelago is forecast to see episodes of haze, strong trade winds and light rainfall in some northern areas.
A Calmer Thursday Before the Change
Thursday is shaping up to be the most stable day of the week after several periods of instability that affected both the mainland and the islands. In recent days, heavy rainfall has been recorded in parts of the Mediterranean region. On Monday, Mallorca saw accumulations exceeding 45 litres per square metre, while the Maigmó mountains in Alicante registered over 100 litres per square metre on Tuesday.
Following these episodes, meteorological attention has shifted to the advancing cold air mass crossing the Atlantic. Its arrival over mainland Spain is expected to trigger a widespread temperature drop over the weekend.
What to Expect in the Canary Islands
In contrast to the mainland, the Canary Islands will not experience a dramatic cold outbreak. Instead, the prevailing weather pattern will be characterised by:
- Light rainfall in northern areas, particularly in the north of Gran Canaria, Tenerife and La Palma.
- Moderate to strong trade winds, with gusts that may intensify in exposed zones.
- Calima (haze) affecting mainly the eastern islands.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are likely to see the most noticeable presence of haze, especially in elevated areas. Calima may also extend to the peaks and southern slopes of the mountainous islands.
AEMET Forecast: Wind and Coastal Effects
According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Friday, 13 March, will be marked by strong winds and the presence of calima in several parts of the archipelago.
Occasionally very strong gusts are expected on south- and west-facing slopes, as well as in coastal areas exposed to prevailing winds. These conditions may lead to coastal phenomena, prompting authorities to monitor the situation closely.
Skies will remain cloudy in the north and northeast of the higher islands, although significant clear spells are expected around midday. In the rest of the archipelago, light cloud cover or mostly clear skies will dominate.
Different Impacts for Mainland and Islands
Although the approaching polar air mass will have a clear cooling effect on mainland Spain, its influence on the Canary Islands will be more indirect. Rather than a substantial drop in temperatures, the islands are more likely to experience increased wind activity, occasional light rain in northern regions and reduced visibility due to calima in the eastern islands.
Overall, while the change in atmospheric circulation will be noticeable, conditions in the Canary Islands are expected to remain relatively mild compared to the colder weather forecast for the Iberian Peninsula.
