The Canary Islands are preparing for unsettled weather in the lead-up to Christmas, with a combination of rain, strong winds, and lingering effects of the recent calima, which has started to clear.
Following the passage of Storm Dorothea, a new DANA (an isolated high-altitude depression) is predicted to approach the archipelago, bringing instability from Saturday through to Monday, December 23rd.
Weather Patterns Take a Turn
The week began with widespread haze due to the calima, but by the weekend, the scenario will shift dramatically. Forecasters at AEMET have warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly on Sunday.
The DANA, which is expected to initially impact southwestern Spain, will reach the Canary Islands late Saturday, delivering its most severe effects the following day.
A Wet and Windy Weekend
The unsettled weather is expected to bring abundant cloud cover across the northern parts of the islands, accompanied by the first showers. These conditions will intensify over La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and the north oif Gran Canaria as the day progresses.
The most rain is expected on Sunday (December 22nd), with widespread downpours across the archipelago. However, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura may experience lighter precipitation compared to the heavy showers forecast for La Palma, north Tenerife, and Gran Canaria.
Rainfall accumulation is expected to reach up to 20-30mm in northwestern La Palma and 10-15mm in northern Tenerife, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria, with the potential for strong gusts of wind accompanying the storms.
Outlook for Christmas
Despite the turbulent start to the week, conditions are forecast to improve by Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. AEMET predicts a return to stability, with predominantly anticiclonic weather. Temperatures will warm slightly, offering a mild and pleasant festive period for most areas.
Thursday’s weather forecast for each island
LANZAROTE: Light clouds with occasional low-level cloud cover in the north by afternoon. Temperatures will range from 19°C to 22°C, with southeasterly winds shifting to northeasterly later.
FUERTEVENTURA: Similar to Lanzarote, with light clouds and low-level clouds in the evening. Temperatures will be between 18°C and 22°C.
GRAN CANARIA: Predominantly high clouds and lingering calima, easing through the day. Temperatures are expected to remain stable at 18°C to 22°C.
TENERIFE: Mostly high clouds with some impact from the calima, especially in low-lying areas. Temperatures will vary from 19°C to 23°C, with occasional strong easterly winds in certain areas.
The marine forecast shows southeasterly winds transitioning to easterly by tonight, with varying intensities across the islands. Coastal waters around the southwest may experience rough conditions, while other areas will see calmer conditions.
As the festive season approaches, the Canary Islands will witness a mix of wet, windy weather followed by more stable and warm conditions, setting the stage for a warm and sunny Christmas.
