The familiar haze of Saharan dust is set to return to the Canary Islands today, Wednesday, with warmer temperatures, strong winds and mostly clear skies forecast across the archipelago, according to forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency, AEMET.
Forecasters say light calima will begin affecting several islands during the day, particularly in higher areas and southern-facing midlands, while temperatures are expected to gradually climb throughout the week.
Strong northerly winds are also expected to continue across exposed parts of the islands, particularly along north-western and eastern coastlines, where gusts could occasionally become strong during the daytime.
At sea, moderate to rough conditions are expected, with north-easterly winds reaching force 5 and occasionally force 6, alongside waves of up to two metres.
Island-by-island forecast for Wednesday 20th May 2026:
Tenerife
In Tenerife, cloudy intervals are expected in northern areas below around 1,200 metres, with a small possibility of light drizzle during the morning before brighter conditions arrive later in the day.
The south and coastal areas should remain mostly clear and sunny, although light calima is expected to affect southern mid-altitude areas. Temperatures will stay steady along the coast but may rise slightly in higher parts of the island, particularly in northern midlands.
Moderate northerly winds could become occasionally strong along eastern coastal areas and the far north-west of the island. Temperatures of 27°C are forecast in the south of the island.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria will see cloudier conditions in the north below around 700 to 900 metres, where there is a slight chance of light drizzle early in the day before clearer spells develop.
Elsewhere across the island, conditions will remain mostly sunny, although some cloud is expected overnight along southern coastal areas. Light calima is forecast in southern mid-altitude and higher areas.
Moderate northerly winds will continue, with strong gusts possible on south-eastern and north-western slopes. Temperatures will remain largely unchanged along the coast, but inland and summit areas could see a more noticeable increase in daytime highs of 25°C.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote will experience mostly cloudy skies in western areas, while the rest of the island should remain largely clear throughout the day. Light calima is expected to become more noticeable in higher areas during the afternoon and evening.
Moderate northerly winds are forecast, with stronger gusts possible inland and in south-eastern areas during the daytime. Temperatures will rise slightly, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the island, with highs reaching around 26°C.
Fuerteventura
In Fuerteventura, weather conditions will be very similar to Lanzarote, with cloudier skies in the west and sunshine elsewhere. Light calima will develop later in the day, particularly in elevated areas.
Moderate northerly winds will affect much of the island, with occasional stronger gusts inland and around the Jandía area. Temperatures are also expected to edge upwards, especially in northern and eastern zones, forecast to reach 25°C.
