The Canary Islands are bracing for unsettled weather as May gets underway, with the arrival of an Atlantic front bringing rainfall, strong winds, and hazardous sea conditions across the archipelago.
According to Spain’s Met Office, AEMET, the instability is linked to the approach of another storm, which is expected to affect Tenerife and the western islands most severely.
Cloud cover will increase across the region, with light to moderate rainfall likely in northern and western areas. La Palma is forecast to receive the heaviest downpours, while gusty winds are expected, particularly at higher altitudes.
In response to the evolving conditions, the Government of the Canary Islands has extended its pre-alert status to include the entire archipelago, warning of potentially intense rainfall, localised flooding, and strong winds. Authorities have issued a series of safety recommendations to residents and visitors, urging caution, especially near coastal areas and in mountainous terrain.
TENERIFE:
The day will begin mostly clear, though clouds are expected to gather as the day progresses. Light rain may fall in the north during the morning and in interior areas later in the day. Temperatures will rise slightly, particularly in the east, with highs forecast to reach 27°C. Winds will strengthen through the day, with particularly strong gusts expected in the southeast and on the island’s central peaks.
LA PALMA:
The island is likely to see persistent cloud cover and rainfall, which could become moderate in intensity along the north and west coasts. Conditions will improve into the evening, with clearer skies developing. AEMET has issued a yellow weather warning for coastal conditions, with waves potentially reaching four metres along the east and west coasts between 4:00am and 6:59pm.
EL HIERRO AND LA GOMERA:
Cloudy skies will dominate, with a slight chance of light rain. Temperatures will edge upwards, especially at lower altitudes, and strong winds are expected in higher regions. Valverde is forecast to see temperatures ranging from 11°C to 17°C, while San Sebastián de La Gomera will see milder conditions, between 17°C and 23°C.
GRAN CANARIA:
Gran Canaria will start the day with mostly clear skies, though cloud cover will increase during the afternoon. Light rainfall is possible, particularly in central parts of the island. Temperatures will remain steady in the morning, with slight increases expected later, especially in the east. Winds from the southwest will strengthen into the afternoon, with stronger gusts possible in the southeast. Forecast temperatures range between 16°C and 25°C.
LANZAROTE AND FUERTEVENTURA:
Further east, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura will experience more settled weather. Skies will remain mostly clear, though some cloud build-up is expected in eastern areas during the afternoon. Maximum temperatures will rise slightly, with more noticeable increases inland. Winds will start light from the southwest, becoming moderate later and shifting to northwesterly by evening in Fuerteventura. Both islands will see highs around 25°C.
Despite the unsettled conditions at the start of the month, forecasters expect the weather to stabilise heading over the weekend, with clearer skies returning across much of the Canary Islands.
