The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has forecast a rather cloudy Thursday in the Canary Islands, with the possibility of occasional drizzle in some areas and winds that are expected to gain strength as the day progresses.
According to the latest weather forecast, skies will be mostly cloudy in the north of the archipelago, while the southern sides of the islands will generally see brighter conditions, with partly cloudy skies and some clear spells. Temperatures will remain largely unchanged across most areas, although slight drops are expected in higher-altitude zones.
The chance of rain will remain low, but occasional drizzle cannot be ruled out, especially during the early hours of the day. This drizzle is most likely in the mid-altitude areas of the north of the more mountainous islands, where cloud cover will be more persistent.
Cloudy skies in the north and clearer conditions in the south
The overall weather pattern will once again be shaped by the trade winds, bringing more cloud to the northern slopes and leaving the south of the islands with a generally brighter outlook.
In northern areas, cloud cover is expected to remain thick for much of the day, particularly in the morning. However, some clear spells may appear during the afternoon, especially in places where the cloud layer begins to break up.
In the south and in more sheltered areas, conditions will be more stable, with partly cloudy skies and a lower chance of precipitation.
Wind to strengthen during the afternoon
The wind will blow from the north to north-east, generally light to moderate at first. However, Aemet expects the wind to become stronger as the afternoon progresses, particularly in exposed areas and on slopes where the terrain tends to accelerate the airflow.
In coastal and maritime areas, northerly or north-easterly winds are forecast to reach force 4 or 5, temporarily strengthening to force 6. This will lead to slight swell or rough seas, accompanied by a northerly swell with waves of around one metre.
The forecast for Santa Cruz de Tenerife province
In Tenerife, cloudy skies will predominate in the north of the island, especially below 1,200 to 1,300 metres. Aemet forecasts a chance of occasional drizzle in the north-eastern mid-altitude areas during the early hours, although conditions are expected to improve gradually in the afternoon.
The rest of the slopes will see intervals of cloud, while the central peaks are expected to remain clear throughout the day.
Temperatures in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will reach a maximum of 27°C. Across the province, the lowest values are expected in Valverde, on El Hierro, where temperatures may fall to 14°C. The wind will generally be light from the north, although it will strengthen on the eastern slopes and in the far north-west of the island.
In La Gomera, cloudy skies are expected in the north, with a low chance of drizzle during the morning. Conditions should become clearer in the afternoon. In San Sebastián de La Gomera, temperatures will range between 21°C and 25°C.
In La Palma, partly cloudy conditions are forecast overall, although the north and east of the island will see more persistent cloud. In Santa Cruz de La Palma, temperatures will remain stable, ranging between 18°C and 23°C.
In El Hierro, cloudy skies will affect the north of the island, with some clear spells developing later in the day. Temperatures are expected to range between 14°C and 17°C.
The forecast for Las Palmas province
In the eastern province, skies will generally be partly cloudy, although cloud cover will be more persistent in northern areas.
In Gran Canaria, cloudy skies are expected in the north of the island, especially below 1,100 to 1,200 metres. There will be a low probability of occasional drizzle in mid-altitude areas during the early hours of the day.
Temperatures will remain largely unchanged, although maximum values may fall slightly in the north. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, temperatures are expected to range between 20°C and 23°C. The wind will blow moderately from the north, with strong gusts possible at times during the afternoon.
In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, skies will start out cloudy, although conditions are expected to become partly cloudy during the afternoon, especially in the south-east of Lanzarote and the east of Fuerteventura.
The wind will be light from the north at first, increasing to moderate strength as the day goes on. In Arrecife, temperatures will range between 20°C and 24°C, while Puerto del Rosario is expected to record lows of 20°C and highs of 25°C.
Although widespread rainfall is not expected, umbrellas may still be useful in northern and mid-altitude areas during the morning, particularly where drizzle develops under the thicker cloud cover.
