The heatwave that has affected the Canary Islands in recent days is beginning to ease, with temperatures expected to fall this Thursday after several days of extreme heat across the archipelago. According to the forecast from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the day will be mostly clear, although some cloud is expected in low-lying areas of the north of the islands.
Temperatures will drop slightly across the archipelago, with the decrease likely to be more noticeable in south-facing mid-altitude areas. However, the relief will not be complete, as temperatures of up to 34°C may still be reached locally in south- and west-facing mid-altitude areas. Across the islands, maximum temperatures are expected to range from around 31°C in Tenerife to minimum values of 19°C on El Hierro.
The trade winds will also play a key role in Thursday’s weather. Aemet expects them to blow strongly, with occasional very strong gusts on south-eastern slopes and in the far north-west of the islands. Winds may also become locally strong on exposed peaks along the ridges during the late afternoon.
In Gran Canaria, skies will be generally clear, with some cloud in low-lying areas of the north. In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the weather will also be mostly clear, although some cloud is expected in eastern and western areas during the early and late hours of the day.
Gran Canaria will continue to experience some of the highest temperatures of the day. A slight fall is expected, especially in mid-altitude areas and on south-western slopes, but the mercury may still reach 34°C in southern and western mid-altitude zones, and occasionally along the south-eastern coast.
In these areas, minimum temperatures are not expected to fall below 25°C, meaning that warm nights will continue despite the general easing of the heatwave. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, temperatures are forecast to reach a maximum of 27°C, while minimum temperatures will remain around 23°C.
The wind in Gran Canaria will be strong, with occasional very strong gusts on the south-eastern and north-western slopes. On exposed peaks, the wind will blow from the north-east and may become strong at times, with probable occasional very strong gusts, including in the higher areas of Las Tirajanas, particularly during the early hours of the day.
Although the most intense phase of the heatwave appears to be subsiding, Aemet’s forecast shows that high temperatures, warm nights and strong trade winds will continue to affect several areas of the Canary Islands throughout Thursday.
