The Canary Islands are set for a noticeable change in the weather for a few days from tomorrow, Thursday, with rain forecast in several areas and temperatures dropping before the sunshine and heat return.

After several periods of intense heat this summer, residents and holidaymakers can expect a brief respite as cloudier and cooler conditions spread across the Archipelago.

According to he State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the change will begin on Thursday, bringing increased cloud cover and rain to parts of the Islands.

Temperatures will then fall more noticeably on Friday before conditions stabilise again, with sunshine and considerably warmer temperatures expected to return on Sunday.

Thursday: Rain in Tenerife and Gran Canaria

Thursday will be predominantly cloudy across much of the Canary Islands, although the chances of rain will vary considerably depending on location.

In Gran Canaria, cloudy skies and light rain are forecast in Mogán, while Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is also expected to see rain.

In Tenerife, Arona in the south (Los Cristianos and Las Americas) is forecast to have cloudy intervals accompanied by some light rain, with similar conditions expected in La Orotava. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is expected to remain cloudy but largely dry.

Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are expected to escape the worst of the wet weather, with rain less likely on the eastern islands.

Despite the cloud and showers, temperatures will remain relatively high on Thursday, reaching around 30°C in Gran Canaria and 31°C in Tenerife in the warmest areas.

Friday brings cooler temperatures

The biggest change will arrive on Friday when temperatures fall across the Canary Islands.

Rainfall is expected to become less widespread than on Thursday, but daytime temperatures will drop to around 28°C, while overnight lows are forecast to range between 21°C and 23°C.

The cooler conditions will provide a temporary break from the high temperatures experienced across the Islands during recent weeks.

Sunshine and heat return on Sunday

Anyone hoping for traditional Canary Islands summer weather won't have to wait long, as the cooler spell is expected to be short-lived.

By Sunday, sunshine will once again become more widespread and temperatures are forecast to rise sharply.

Maximum temperatures could reach 33°C in Gran Canaria, while Tenerife could see highs of around 31°C.

Overnight temperatures are expected to remain around 21°C in Gran Canaria and 19°C in Tenerife.

The forecast means the Canary Islands will experience a quick succession of weather conditions over the coming days, moving from cloud and rain to cooler temperatures before summer sunshine and heat return for the weekend.