The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has extended its weather alerts across the Canary Islands due to an incoming storm that is set to impact the archipelago on Thursday (3rd April). They are forecasting a day of intense winds, hazardous coastal conditions, and heavy rainfall, particularly affecting Tenerife, the western islands, and Gran Canaria.
Tenerife has been placed under an orange alert, for “significant” risk, due to expected gusts of wind up to 90 km/h in areas including the northern slopes, highlands, and mountainous regions, including Teide.
Similar conditions are forecast for La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, especially in their eastern and western zones. The winds will be predominantly westerly, affecting mid-altitude and high-altitude areas most severely.
Gran Canaria will also be under an orange alert in its northern and mountainous regions from midday on Thursday until midnight. The westerly winds there are expected to impact exposed areas inland.
Meanwhile, yellow warnings are in place for the eastern, southern, and western areas of Tenerife, as well as for Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In these areas, winds may reach up to 70 km/h, particularly on the southern slopes and in exposed areas.
Adverse marine conditions are another major concern. Yellow alerts have been issued for coastal areas of Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and El Hierro, where winds from the west and southwest are forecast to reach speeds of 50 to 61 km/h (force 7). Rough seas with wave heights between 4 and 5 metres are expected in certain locations, posing further risks to maritime activity.
Heavy rainfall is also on the horizon
AEMET warns of precipitation accumulations of up to 15mm in just one hour, particularly in the western and mountainous regions of La Palma during the early afternoon. Similar downpours are anticipated in the midlands and highlands of La Gomera and El Hierro later in the day.
Weather alert system
Understanding the alert system is crucial for assessing potential risk. A yellow weather warning signals a low-level danger that may still result in moderate damage, especially to vulnerable individuals or properties. Authorities recommend the public stay informed and monitor weather updates closely.
An orange warning, however, denotes a more serious threat, with a higher likelihood of significant impacts. Residents in affected areas are urged to take extra precautions and prepare for possible disruptions.
Although there are currently no active red alerts, this is reserved for exceptional, catastrophic conditions. AEMET continues to monitor the evolving weather situation closely as the storm front approaches.
