The Canary Islands are facing the most intense phase of the current heatwave, with temperatures expected to rise sharply on Monday, especially in the eastern islands and on southern and western slopes. Aemet also warns of a notable presence of airborne dust, which will worsen visibility and air quality across parts of the Archipelago.
The weather in the Canary Islands is set to undergo a major change at the start of the week. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), Monday will bring a sharp rise in temperatures across much of the Archipelago, creating a distinctly summery atmosphere despite it still being May.
Clear skies will dominate in many areas, but the heat will be accompanied by a significant episode of airborne dust, or calima. Temperatures are expected to exceed 34°C in several places and may locally climb close to 37°C, particularly during the central hours of the day.
The situation in the Canary Islands will contrast sharply with conditions expected on mainland Spain. While the Peninsula will be affected by a mature DANA, bringing stormy showers, hail and very strong wind gusts to north-western areas, the islands will remain under the influence of high pressure. This will favour stable weather, but also allow a warm air mass of African origin to move over the Archipelago.
Eastern islands to see the highest temperatures
The rise in temperatures will be widespread, but the most intense heat is expected in inland areas and in mid-altitude zones facing south and west.
Aemet forecasts that temperatures will easily exceed 34°C in the south of Gran Canaria, as well as across Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. On the two easternmost islands, thermometers could occasionally reach 37°C around midday or during the early afternoon.
These values are especially high for this time of year and mark the first major heat episode of the season in the Canary Islands.
Tenerife also affected by Saharan air
Tenerife will not escape the effects of the warm Saharan air mass. On the southern slopes of the island, temperatures are likely to reach 34°C locally. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the mercury is expected to climb comfortably above 31°C.
In the north of the higher-altitude islands, some low cloud may appear during the early hours, offering a brief period of relief. However, this cloud cover is expected to clear quickly as the day progresses, leaving sunshine and heat to dominate.
Calima returns across the Archipelago
Alongside the heat, the other major feature of Monday’s weather will be calima. Airborne dust will affect the whole of the Canary Islands, although it is expected to be denser over the eastern islands.
In the western islands, the dust will be particularly noticeable in mid-altitude areas and on the summits. The presence of calima may reduce visibility and lead to poorer air quality, especially in exposed areas and inland zones.
This combination of high temperatures and suspended dust can make conditions feel more oppressive, particularly for people with respiratory problems, elderly residents, young children and those carrying out outdoor work.
Moderate northerly wind and coastal breezes
Wind conditions are expected to be somewhat less severe than in previous days. Aemet forecasts moderate northerly winds across much of the Archipelago, with local breezes playing an important role along low-lying coastal areas.
These coastal breezes may help moderate the heat slightly in some seaside locations. However, on the summits and in exposed high-altitude areas, the wind could occasionally be stronger, helping to move the warm air mass but also contributing to changing conditions.
Advice during the hottest hours
Given the expected heat and calima, experts recommend taking precautions throughout Monday and during the first days of the week.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hours of strongest radiation, especially between 11:00 and 16:00. It is also important to drink water regularly, stay in shaded or cool areas whenever possible, and reduce intense physical activity outdoors.
Drivers should also take extra care if visibility is reduced by the grey haze caused by calima. This may be particularly relevant on higher roads, inland routes and exposed areas of the eastern islands.
The weather in the Canary Islands is expected to remain hot and uncomfortable during the first part of the week. With temperatures approaching 37°C in some areas, dense airborne dust and a warm air mass from Africa, the Archipelago is entering what appears to be the first major heatwave episode of the year.
