The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has updated its yellow weather warnings for the Canary Islands as a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) is approaching the archipelago, bringing unstable weather conditions from the early hours of today, Sunday 2nd March.
The Canary Islands Government has activated a pre-alert for heavy rain from 3:00am this morning. A pre-alert for snow also remains in place for La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria from midday on Sunday.
Current Weather Warnings by Island
TENERIFE:
A yellow warning for rain is in effect across the entire island, including the north, metropolitan area, east, south, and west regions. The warning is from 3:00am on Sunday and is expected to last until 11:59pm on Monday. However, it is highly likely to be extended, with heavy rain predicted until at least Tuesday. AEMET forecasts accumulated rainfall of 15 mm per hour, particularly in inland areas in the afternoon and coastal regions at night.
GRAN CANARIA:
The entire island, including the east, west, and mountain areas, is under a yellow rain warning. The alert is active from midday today (Sunday) until 11:59pm on Monday, with a probable extension. Rainfall of 15 mm per hour is expected, especially in inland areas during the afternoon and along the coast at night.
LA PALMA:
The yellow warning applies to all areas of the island, including the north, east, west, south, and mountainous regions. The alert is effective from from 3:00am on Sunday until 11:59pm on Monday, with a likely extension as heavy rain is forecast until Tuesday. Accumulated precipitation could reach 60mm in 12 hours, with the highest risk in interior areas during the afternoon and along the coast at night.
LA GOMERA:
A yellow warning for rain covers the entire island, starting at from 3:00am on Sunday lasting until 11:59pm on Monday, with a high possibility of extension. AEMET anticipates rainfall of 15 mm per hour, predominantly affecting interior regions in the afternoon and coastal areas at night.
EL HIERRO:
The entire island is under a yellow warning for rain, starting at 3:00am on Sunday until 11:59pm on Monday. The alert is likely to be extended as strong rain is expected until at least Tuesday. Similar to other islands, El Hierro may see 15 mm of rainfall per hour, with a greater impact on interior areas during the afternoon and coastal regions at night.
Emergency Plans and Preparedness
Gran Canaria has activated its Territorial Insular Emergency Plan (PEIN) due to the increased risk of rain and snowfall. The Government of the Canary Islands has issued warnings and recommended safety measures to residents and visitors during the Carnival festivities. The overlap of adverse weather and Carnival events, which draw large crowds to public spaces, necessitates caution.
Authorities advise the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay informed through official channels, and follow the guidance of emergency services. The unstable weather is expected to continue until at least Monday, with a chance of extending into Wednesday.
The updated forecasts highlight the potential for heavy rain, localised flooding, and possible snow in higher altitudes. The public is urged to prioritise safety and remain vigilant during this period of heightened meteorological risk.
