The Canary Islands are bracing for a warmer and windier Sunday, 25 October, with temperatures reaching or surpassing 30°C in some areas, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). A mix of rising temperatures, Saharan dust, and strong winds will particularly affect exposed coastlines and slopes across the archipelago.
Calima, or the presence of suspended dust, will vary in intensity based on altitude, being most pronounced above 800 metres, especially in mid-elevation areas and on south-facing peaks.
The weather forecast predicts medium to high cloud cover with low clouds more persistent in the northern parts of the mountainous islands early in the day. Inland and southern slopes will likely see the most significant temperature rises. For instance, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and mid-altitude regions of Tenerife could exceed 30°C. In contrast, major capitals like Santa Cruz de Tenerife is expected to hit 27°C, while Las Palmas de Gran Canaria should peak at 26°C.
Gran Canaria, in particular, is expected to experience high temperatures in its southern and western regions, with similar warmth predicted for the southern interior of Lanzarote. Conversely, the coastal areas will see less fluctuation in temperatures, leading to a stark contrast between inland warmth and cooler coastal conditions.
Saharan dust will be a notable aspect of Sunday’s weather, with Aemet warning of strong to very strong winds across the islands. North-easterly winds will prevail, with potential gusts impacting exposed coastal areas and slopes. Areas of Tenerife, La Palma, and El Hierro may experience strong gusts, particularly in the early hours.
On Tenerife, the weather will feature intervals of medium and high cloud, and while the coast remains cooler, exposed areas could face stronger winds. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is forecast to range from 22°C to 27°C.
Gran Canaria is likely to see variable cloud cover with low clouds in the north participating in the high heat expected in the south. Winds may strengthen in exposed areas, especially along the northern and southern slopes, where higher temperatures are anticipated.
In Lanzarote, the southern interior may reach 30°C, while Arrecife will report a milder range of 21°C to 26°C. Meanwhile, Fuerteventura’s temperatures are projected to remain stable, with slight increases in the far south.
La Palma may witness light rain in the north-east along with strong winds, with temperatures estimated between 22°C and 26°C. La Gomera will enjoy warmer conditions on its south-facing slopes despite visibility being affected by low cloud and calima. El Hierro’s temperatures will vary significantly, particularly along the southern mountains.
As for sea conditions, Aemet anticipates rough seas with north-easterly winds ranging from force five to six, and possible periods of force seven. Waves of one to two metres may impact the northern coastal areas.
Overall, Sunday promises to be remarkably warmer across various parts of the Canary Islands, coupled with the return of calima and the risk of very strong winds in exposed regions.
