SATURDAY WEATHER: Calima eases but alert level increases for strong winds
The haze caused by the calima is set to clear across the Canary Islands today, Saturday, but strong trade winds and rough seas will continue to affect much of the archipelago.
The state weather agency, AEMET, are forecasting largely clear skies overall, although cloud cover will persist in the north of the central islands (Tenerife and Gran Canaria) with the possibility of light, occasional showers at mid-level altitudes.
Strong winds and orange alerts
Temperatures are expected to fall slightly, except in higher areas, while strong northeasterly trade winds will dominate. Gusts could exceed 90km/h in parts of La Gomera, particularly during the first half of the day.
Very strong gusts are also forecast on southeast and northwest slopes across several islands, as well as in exposed summit areas. AEMET has upgraded some weather warnings to orange level due to the wind conditions.
Rough seas across the islands
At sea, conditions will remain challenging. Northerly or northeasterly winds of force 5 to 7, occasionally reaching force 8, will generate rough to very rough seas.
A northeasterly swell is expected to produce waves of 3 to 4 metres in the smaller western islands, gradually easing to between 2 and 3 metres, and later 1 to 2 metres. In the eastern islands (Lanzarote and Fuerteventura), waves of 1 to 2 metres are forecast, coming from the northwest.
Island-by-island forecast for Saturday 28th February 2026:
Lanzarote
Mainly clear with some cloud in the north. High-level calima will clear from early morning. Minimum temperatures will see little change, while maximums will dip slightly, especially in the south. Strong trade winds with very strong gusts are expected, particularly in the southeast.
General temperatures: Low of 16°C and high of 22°C.
Fuerteventura
Largely clear, with some morning cloud in the north. Calima will ease early. Little change in minimum temperatures, with a slight drop in maximums, more noticeable in the west. Strong trade winds with occasional very strong gusts, especially in the southern half.
General temperatures: Low of 16°C and high of 23°C.
Gran Canaria
Mostly clear, though cloudier in the north where light, occasional rain is possible, particularly in mid-altitude areas. Calima will fade from early morning. Minimum temperatures will fall slightly, while maximums remain largely unchanged. Strong winds with very strong gusts are expected on southeast and northwest slopes and in exposed high areas, with isolated gusts possibly reaching 90km/h.
General temperatures: Low of 18°C and high of 22°C.
Tenerife
Generally clear, but cloudier in the north with the chance of light rain in mid-altitude areas, especially in the northeast. Calima will continue to recede. Temperatures will remain steady, except for slight drops in southern-facing areas. Strong trade winds with very strong gusts are forecast for the southeast and far northwest, potentially reaching 90km/h in places. Occasional very strong gusts are also possible along the island’s ridge.
General temperatures: Low of 17°C and high of 23°C.
Residents and tourists are advised to take care in exposed coastal and elevated areas, particularly where wind gusts and large waves may pose a risk.
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