The Canary Islands are facing a mixed weather situation this Sunday, 6 September, with extreme heat in some areas, calima at higher altitudes and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms accompanied by occasional rain.
According to the State Meteorological Agency Aemet, the day will bring cloudy spells with abundant medium and high cloud across several islands. By the end of the day, partly cloudy skies are expected to prevail in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
There will also be a low probability of isolated thunderstorms. These may be accompanied by light and occasional rain falling in the form of large drops, especially in higher-altitude areas. Aemet also forecasts light haze at higher levels, adding to a weather pattern marked by warm temperatures, cloud development and reduced visibility in some areas.
Temperatures in Tenerife
In the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, temperatures will remain largely unchanged or fall slightly, although a moderate drop is possible on northern slopes.
In mid-altitude areas facing east, south and west, temperatures are expected to reach between 30°C and 32°C. Locally, they may rise to 34°C in lower-lying parts of the municipalities of Candelaria and El Rosario.
These high values could even be reached during the early hours of the morning in some areas, reflecting the persistence of very warm conditions overnight.
The wind will blow as a moderate trade wind. However, periods of strong wind are expected, with likely very strong local gusts on the southern slopes of Anaga and in the far north-west of Tenerife. Breezes will affect the western and south-western coasts, while a moderate trade wind is forecast for the central peaks.
Gran Canaria could reach 37°C
Gran Canaria will be one of the islands most affected by the heat. The forecast points to cloudy spells with abundant medium and high cloud, as well as a low probability of isolated thunderstorms. These storms may be accompanied by light and occasional rain in the form of large drops, especially in inland areas.
Calima will also be present and will be more noticeable at higher altitudes. Temperatures will fall slightly in the north of the island but rise slightly in inland and southern areas. In mid-altitude zones in the west, south and east, temperatures will exceed 34°C and may locally reach 37°C.
Night-time temperatures will remain high in the areas most affected by the heat, barely dropping below 26°C to 28°C. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, temperatures are expected to range between a minimum of 24°C and a maximum of 27°C.
The wind will blow moderately from the north, becoming strong on the south-eastern and western slopes, where occasional very strong gusts are likely. Breezes are expected along the southern coast.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura will also see cloudy spells, with abundant medium and high cloud during the day. Aemet indicates a low probability of isolated thunderstorms on both islands.
These may bring some light and occasional rain in the form of large drops. Calima will also be present, contributing to hazier skies and a more oppressive feel in some areas.
Heat, haze and storm risk
The forecast shows a combination of several weather factors affecting the Canary Islands at the same time.
On the one hand, temperatures will remain very high in several areas, especially in Gran Canaria, where values may locally reach 37°C. On the other hand, the presence of calima and medium and high cloud will create a hazy and unsettled atmosphere.
The possibility of isolated thunderstorms adds further instability, although the probability remains low and any rainfall is expected to be light and occasional.
Overall, Sunday will bring a varied and uncomfortable weather pattern to parts of the Canary Islands, with heat, haze, warm nights, isolated storm risk and strong trade winds in exposed areas.
