The Canary Islands are facing the first heatwave episode of the summer this Monday, with five islands under yellow weather warnings due to a combination of high temperatures, calima and strong winds. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the adverse weather event will particularly affect parts of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, Lanzarote and El Hierro.
The warning is linked to a mass of hot, dry air that is expected to push temperatures up in several areas of the archipelago, especially in mid-altitude zones and on southern, eastern and western slopes. At the same time, suspended dust will affect higher areas, while strong trade winds will generate very intense gusts in exposed zones.
Although a yellow warning is considered a low-risk level and does not normally represent a danger for the general population, Aemet stresses that the weather conditions could complicate outdoor activities, travel in exposed areas and maritime navigation. The Canary Islands Government has also urged residents and visitors to exercise caution, particularly when travelling and in forested areas.
Gran Canaria expected to see the highest temperatures
The most intense heat is expected in Gran Canaria, where temperatures could reach 35°C in the peaks and mid-altitude areas of the south-east, south and west. In some isolated areas, maximum temperatures may even climb to around 37°C.
In the rest of the archipelago, maximum temperatures will rise slightly to moderately. The increase will be more noticeable in higher areas of Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma, where thermometers are expected to easily exceed 30°C or 32°C.
The rise in temperatures will be accompanied by calima, especially in higher-altitude areas. The suspended dust is expected to become more noticeable during the second half of the day, reducing visibility in some areas and adding to the feeling of heat and dryness.
In the island capitals, the situation will be milder. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is expected to reach a maximum temperature of 30°C, while Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will remain cooler, with a forecast maximum of 25°C thanks to the direct influence of the trade winds in the low-lying northern areas.
Trade winds to strengthen during the afternoon
The wind will be another major feature of Monday’s weather. Aemet expects the trade winds to blow with moderate to strong intensity, especially on the south-eastern and north-western slopes of the mountainous islands.
From the afternoon onwards, widespread gusts of 70 to 80 km/h are forecast. However, in low-lying areas of the south-east and west of Gran Canaria and La Gomera, gusts could locally reach 90 km/h.
These strong winds may make conditions more difficult in exposed areas, particularly on roads, slopes and open spaces. They may also increase the risk in forested zones, where the combination of hot, dry air and strong gusts requires additional caution.
Coastal warning from 22:00
At sea, conditions are expected to deteriorate as the day progresses, especially from the evening onwards. Aemet has issued a coastal weather warning for adverse maritime conditions from 22:00 in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and El Hierro.
North-easterly winds of force 7 are expected, reaching speeds of between 50 and 61 km/h, particularly in the north of El Hierro and in the strait between Tenerife and Gran Canaria. These conditions will cause heavy swells and may make navigation more dangerous.
Overall, the Canary Islands will experience a demanding weather day marked by high temperatures, calima, strong trade winds and worsening sea conditions. Authorities recommend caution, especially in high-risk areas, during outdoor activities and when travelling through exposed or forested zones.
