The peaks of Tenerife were adorned with a layer of snow this Sunday, as the Cabildo of Tenerife announced the closure of access routes to Teide National Park due to icy and snowy road conditions.
The Atmospheric Research Centre of Izaña, part of the Spanish meteorological agency AEMET, posted on social media that “the instability associated with the DANA [isolated depression at high altitude] approaching the Canary Islands has left a pre-Christmas white blanket over Tenerife’s summits.”
Rosa Dávila, President of the Cabildo, described the snow-covered Teide as “a Christmas gift for all the people of Tenerife and the Canary Islands. This second day of winter reminds us of the island’s beauty and uniqueness, as well as the need to act responsibly to preserve it.”
Road Closures for Safety
The closures affect the main access routes to the park, including roads via La Esperanza (TF-24), La Orotava (TF-21), and Chío (TF-38). These restrictions will remain in place until road conditions improve.
A pre-alert for snowfall has been declared by the Canary Islands Government, effective from midnight Sunday. The forecast predicts snow precipitation from altitudes of 1,800 metres, with accumulations expected to reach 2 centimetres in 24 hours above 2,000–2,200 metres. In higher areas, above 2,400 metres, snowfall could exceed 20 centimetres.
Weather Warnings Extended
In addition to the pre-alert for storms, warnings for rain, strong winds, and coastal phenomena have also been issued. AEMET are forecasting showers today (Monday), which could be locally strong on the mountainous islands, as well as in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
The inclement weather serves as both a picturesque moment for locals and a reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols during such conditions.
