The Canary Islands are facing a mixed day of weather today, Friday 4th September, with high-altitude calima, increasing cloud, strong winds and temperatures exceeding 30°C, according to the latest forecast from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
Conditions are expected to become more unsettled during the second half of the day, when developing cloud could bring isolated thunderstorms and rain showers, particularly over inland and higher-altitude areas.
Although the chance of significant rainfall remains low, AEMET says brief, locally heavy drops of rain, known locally as goterones, cannot be ruled out.
Temperatures are forecast to rise slightly across the archipelago, with some of the hottest conditions expected in Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, where they could reach 30-32°C.
Calima remains over the islands
High-altitude calima, or Saharan dust, will continue to affect much of the Canary Islands during the day.
Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Tenerife will also see periods of high cloud, while northern coastal areas could experience low cloud, particularly during the early hours.
During the afternoon, cloud is expected to build over inland areas, potentially producing isolated showers and thunderstorms.
In Tenerife specifically, AEMET forecasts high cloud across much of the island, with low cloud affecting northern areas early in the day. Inland areas could see an isolated light shower during the afternoon.
Strong winds during the afternoon
Moderate northerly and north-easterly winds will affect much of the archipelago, becoming stronger in exposed areas as the day progresses, and AEMET says locally very strong gusts cannot be ruled out.
In Gran Canaria, stronger winds are expected in low-lying areas of the southeast and far west. In Tenerife, winds could intensify on the southern slopes of the Anaga massif.
Strong intervals are also forecast in parts of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and El Hierro, while in La Palma the strongest winds are expected mainly along the southeast and northwest coasts.
