canary islands

Abrupt weather shift in the Canary Islands: haze and temperatures of up to 34°C expected this weekend

A surge of warm, dust-laden air from the Sahara will drive temperatures sharply upwards and reduce visibility across parts of the islands.

A pronounced change in weather conditions is set to unfold across the Canary Islands in the coming days, with a transition from mild, stable conditions to significantly hotter weather accompanied by haze. According to the forecast issued by the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet), temperatures are expected to rise sharply towards the end of the week, peaking over the weekend when values could reach as high as 34°C in parts of the archipelago.


A calm and stable midweek outlook

For now, conditions remain relatively settled. On Wednesday, 15 April 2026, no significant adverse weather phenomena are anticipated. The day will be characterised by intervals of cloud in the northern areas of the islands, while the rest of the archipelago will enjoy partly cloudy to mostly clear skies.

There is a slight possibility of light and scattered rainfall, particularly in mid-altitude zones, although any precipitation is expected to be weak and localised. Temperatures will remain stable, with maximum values around 22°C in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and approximately 21°C in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Gradual warming begins on Thursday

Abrupt weather shift in the Canary Islands: haze and temperatures of up to 34°C expected this weekend

Thursday, 16 April, will follow a similar pattern, with largely stable atmospheric conditions prevailing. Skies are expected to remain mostly clear across much of the archipelago, although the northern slopes may once again see some cloud cover and occasional light drizzle.

Minimum temperatures will show little variation, while daytime highs will begin to edge upwards slightly, reaching around 23°C in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This subtle increase marks the beginning of a broader warming trend that will intensify as the week progresses.

Friday brings the first signs of change

A more noticeable shift in weather conditions is forecast for Friday. While skies will remain generally clear to partly cloudy, the presence of high cloud will become more evident.

More importantly, haze—caused by suspended dust particles in the atmosphere—will start to make its presence felt, particularly in higher-altitude areas and across the mountain peaks. At the same time, temperatures will begin a more pronounced rise, especially inland and at elevation. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, highs are already expected to approach 24°C, signalling the onset of a warmer phase.

Weekend heat and haze intensify

The most significant change is expected to arrive on Saturday, when the archipelago will experience a marked escalation in both temperatures and atmospheric conditions.

Abrupt weather shift in the Canary Islands: haze and temperatures of up to 34°C expected this weekend

Skies will remain mostly clear or lightly clouded, but haze will become more intense, especially at higher altitudes, potentially reducing visibility and contributing to a heavier, more oppressive feel in the air.

Temperatures will rise sharply across all islands, with the most pronounced increases expected on the northern and western slopes. In many areas, thermometers will exceed 30°C, and in some locations, particularly inland or in sheltered zones, temperatures could reach or even surpass 34°C.

Wind shift reinforces the change

Adding to this evolving weather pattern, wind direction will shift notably over the weekend. Southerly winds are expected to dominate at higher elevations, occasionally accompanied by strong gusts. This change in airflow will further contribute to the rise in temperatures and the persistence of haze across the islands.

A marked transition to summer-like conditions

Overall, the forecast points to a rapid transition from mild spring weather to conditions more typical of early summer. The combination of rising temperatures, increasing haze, and shifting winds highlights the dynamic nature of the Canary Islands’ climate, where significant changes can occur within just a few days.

Residents and visitors of the islands are advised to remain attentive to updates, particularly as higher temperatures and reduced air quality associated with haze may affect outdoor activities and general comfort levels.


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