The Canary Islands experienced their driest year in over six decades, coupled with being the second warmest on record. According to provisional findings from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the year 2024 saw a temperature anomaly of 1.2°C above normal, with minimum temperatures rising faster than maximums.
The annual mean temperature across the archipelago reached 19.6°C, marking a deviation of 1.2°C from the average and positioning 2024 as the second warmest year since records began in 1961.
Precipitation was markedly below average, with the islands receiving just 52% of the expected rainfall. Total rainfall measured 138.8 mm, making 2024 the driest year in the historical series.
David Suárez, AEMET’s delegate in the Canary Islands, emphasised the severe dryness: “It has been an extremely dry year in terms of precipitation, both regionally and across provinces. We received only half of the usual rainfall.”
The extreme dryness coincided with notable heat, illustrating the impact of ongoing climate change, especially since 2024 did not fall under the influence of the El Niño phenomenon.
Normal Conditions in Only Three Months
Reviewing month-by-month data revealed that only March, June, and October registered normal temperature readings. Other months deviated significantly: May and August were classified as warm, July and December as very warm, while January, February, April, and November were deemed extremely warm. Curiously, September was recorded as very cold despite the overall heat trend.
Precipitation patterns followed a similar trend, with only August, September, and October seeing normal rainfall amounts. In contrast, March, May, and June experienced wetter than normal conditions, while January and April were exceptionally dry, and July stood out as very wet.
Impact on Environment and Health
The drastic increase in temperatures has far-reaching effects on the environment and human health. Rising minimum temperatures contribute to the phenomenon of tropical nights, with December already noted for a high ratio of nights above 20°C, disrupting residents' sleep patterns. This nocturnal heat surge influences agriculture, livestock, and biodiversity, as certain species may fail to adapt to the changing climate.
Furthermore, the growing aridity of the land is evident. Suárez explained that the percentage of arid (type B) soil is increasing, while temperate (type C) areas are diminishing. AEMET studies indicate that desertification extends at a rate of approximately 6km² per year, posing long-term challenges for islands like La Graciosa, which spans just over 29 square kilometres.
The reduction in the diurnal temperature range, especially along the coast where the sea moderates extremes, contrasts with greater fluctuations in mountainous regions. These variations highlight the diverse impact of global warming across different landscapes.
Looking Ahead
The provisional data from AEMET align with early reports from the Copernicus climate service, which identified 2024 as the warmest year globally since 1850. As researchers continue to compile and verify the annual climatic summary for Spain, further insights into the Canary Islands' environmental trajectory are expected before the summer months.
This ongoing analysis underscores the urgent need to address climate change impacts on both local and global scales.
