The effects of Storm Martinho are being felt in the Canary Islands this week, bringing strong winds and rainfall to several areas, particularly in the more mountainous islands. Although the storm is centred in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, where it has already caused flooding and numerous weather alerts, it has also led to yellow warnings issued by AEMET in the Canary Islands.
On Wednesday, alerts were activated for strong winds on four islands, and on Thursday, a warning remained in place for rough seas along the coast of La Palma. In response, the Canary Islands’ Directorate General of Emergencies also declared a state of pre-alert due to anticipated strong gusts of wind throughout the archipelago.
As of now, AEMET has not issued any active warnings for the weekend, however, Martinho’s influence is still expected to be felt, albeit less intensely than on the mainland. Below is the detailed forecast from AEMET for Saturday and Sunday.
SATURDAY:
Cloudy conditions are forecast for Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and the northern areas of the other islands, with a chance of light, occasional rain in the north of the mountainous islands. The rest of the archipelago will experience intervals of cloud.
Temperatures will remain largely unchanged. Moderate northerly winds will persist, with strong gusts in exposed areas on the northwest and southeast slopes of the mountainous islands.
Forecast temperatures: Minimum of 17°C and a maximum of 22°C.
SUNDAY:
Similar to Saturday, overcast skies will be prevalent in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and the north of the remaining islands, with a continued chance of light rain in the mountainous north. The rest of the region will experience partly cloudy conditions. Temperatures will see little variation. Moderate northerly winds will continue, increasing in exposed areas on the northwest and southeast faces of the mountainous islands.
Winds will strengthen in high-altitude zones during the second half of the day, with strong intervals likely. Occasional very strong gusts are not ruled out in the highlands of Gran Canaria.
Forecast temperatures: Minimum of 16°C and a maximum of 21°C.
While Storm Martinho’s impact in the Canary Islands is expected to be more subdued than on the mainland, residents and visitors should remain cautious, particularly in elevated and coastal areas where wind and sea conditions may be hazardous.
