The Canary Islands are facing a difficult weather situation this Friday, with several yellow warnings and pre-alerts in force across the archipelago. The State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, and the Directorate General for Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government are warning of strong winds, rough seas and a sharp rise in temperatures in several areas.
The day will be marked by wind gusts of up to 80 km/h, a significant deterioration in sea conditions and maximum temperatures that could approach 37°C in parts of Gran Canaria.
The adverse weather will affect both land and coastal areas. The current episode is linked to a strengthening of the north-easterly trade winds, combined with a warm air mass that will raise temperatures in inland areas, mid-altitude zones and higher ground. As a result, the regional government has activated the Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Phenomena, known as PEFMA.
Which islands are under warning for strong wind gusts
The trade winds will blow with moderate to strong intensity, but the strongest gusts are expected in exposed areas, especially on the south-eastern and north-western slopes, as well as in lower-lying parts of the mountainous islands.
Aemet has issued yellow warnings for strong gusts of up to 70 km/h in the east, south and west of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, as well as in Lanzarote and El Hierro. In La Gomera, the strongest gusts could locally exceed 80 km/h.
The Directorate General for Emergencies has also activated a pre-alert for similar wind conditions in several specific areas. These include the south of Anaga and the southern side of the metropolitan area of Tenerife, the interior of Lanzarote, and the western and southern coastline of Jandía in Fuerteventura.
The authorities are urging caution in areas exposed to the wind, particularly on roads, in open spaces and in locations where loose objects, branches or light structures could be affected by strong gusts.
Four-metre waves and rough sea conditions
The coastal situation also requires special caution. Aemet maintains a yellow warning for coastal phenomena in El Hierro, La Gomera, the west of La Palma, and the eastern, southern and western coasts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
North-easterly winds of force 7, equivalent to between 50 and 61 km/h, are expected at sea. These conditions will directly affect the inter-island maritime channels, with particular attention on the channel between Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
The sea will be rough to very rough, with combined waves increasing to between 3.5 and 3.75 metres. Offshore areas south of the islands could see waves locally reaching between 4 and 4.25 metres.
These conditions may pose a risk for coastal activities, small boats, exposed beaches and rocky shorelines. The authorities recommend avoiding unnecessary risks near the sea and paying close attention to official warnings and local safety instructions.
Temperatures rise: up to 37°C in Gran Canaria
At the same time, temperatures will rise sharply in mid-altitude and high-altitude areas. The Canary Islands Government’s pre-alert for high temperatures affects the southern half of Fuerteventura, the southern, eastern and western slopes and summits of Gran Canaria, and the low-lying and mid-altitude areas of southern Tenerife and the metropolitan area.
In Fuerteventura and Tenerife, temperatures are expected to range between 30°C and 32°C, with local peaks of up to 34°C.
The most intense heat will be recorded in Gran Canaria. In the highlands and mid-altitude areas above 500 metres, temperatures may exceed 34°C, especially in the Tejeda basin. Meanwhile, in low-lying areas facing the south-east, temperatures could locally reach 37°C.
The combination of heat, wind and dry conditions may increase the feeling of discomfort, particularly in inland areas and places less exposed to the cooling effect of sea breezes. The authorities advise people to stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary physical exertion during the hottest hours of the day and take extra care with vulnerable people.
A Friday marked by several weather risks
This Friday’s weather in the Canary Islands will be shaped by three main factors: strong trade winds, very rough seas and a rise in temperatures. Although the conditions will not affect all islands in the same way, several areas will experience a combination of adverse phenomena throughout the day.
The most affected zones will include exposed coastal areas, inter-island maritime channels, inland and mid-altitude areas of Gran Canaria, and wind-prone slopes across several islands.
The Canary Islands Government and Aemet recommend following official updates, exercising caution on the coast and roads, and avoiding activities that may become dangerous due to strong gusts, high temperatures or rough seas.
