After several days of extreme heat, the Canary Islands are finally seeing a significant change in the weather today, Thursday, with temperatures falling sharply across much of the archipelago.
AEMET forecasts a notable drop in maximum temperatures, particularly across inland areas and higher ground, bringing welcome relief following temperatures that exceeded 40°C in parts of the islands earlier this week.
The change will be particularly noticeable away from the coasts, with AEMET forecasting maximum temperatures generally up to 29°C, although isolated locations in southern areas and Tenerife's Güímar Valley could still reach between 30°C and 32°C.
In some inland and higher areas, today's maximum temperatures could be between three and six degrees lower than during the recent hot spell.
However, the change in temperature is also being accompanied by stronger trade winds and an increase in cloud across northern parts of several islands.
Stronger winds and more cloud
AEMET says the trade winds will be moderate to strong, with the possibility of very strong gusts in exposed areas during the second half of the day.
Gran Canaria could experience gusts of around 50 to 70km/h, particularly in areas exposed to the prevailing winds.
Northern and north-eastern parts of Tenerife, Gran Canaria and the western islands will see considerably more low cloud than during the recent hot weather, with occasional light rain or drizzle possible.
Southern areas will generally remain brighter and sunnier.
Sea conditions are also becoming rougher away from sheltered southern coasts. AEMET forecasts moderate to rough seas in many areas, locally becoming very rough, accompanied by a northerly swell of approximately one to two metres.
What to expect on each island
Tenerife:
Northern and north-eastern areas will be considerably cloudier, with occasional light rain possible over higher inland areas. Southern Tenerife should remain much sunnier. Temperatures will fall, although isolated areas could still reach around 32°C. Trade winds will be moderate to strong, with some very strong gusts possible later.
Gran Canaria:
Cloud will dominate across the north, with some occasional light rain possible over higher inland areas, while the south remains largely sunny. Temperatures will fall significantly inland, although isolated southern areas could still reach around 32°C. Wind gusts of 50 to 70km/h are possible.
Lanzarote:
More cloud is expected across northern and western areas, with a small possibility of some light rain. Southern parts should enjoy considerably more sunshine, with maximum temperatures around 30°C.
Fuerteventura:
Temperatures will be lower, generally reaching between 24°C and 31°C. Cloud will be more prevalent across the north and west, with brighter spells elsewhere and moderate trade winds.
End of the intense heat
The change follows an exceptionally hot start to the week, which resulted in official heat measures being activated across parts of the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands Government had already downgraded its maximum-temperature situation across the archipelago to pre-alert from Tuesday evening, after forecasts showed the extreme heat beginning to moderate. The Government said temperatures would continue to be monitored until conditions had fully returned to normal.
Today's AEMET forecast provides the clearest indication yet that the episode is subsiding, with maximum temperatures falling notably across inland areas of every island.
For residents and holidaymakers, that means a much more comfortable day in many locations, although anyone heading to exposed coastal or mountainous areas should be aware of the strengthening winds and changing sea conditions.
