The Canary Islands Government has declared a coastal pre-alert for five islands for today, Monday, warning of rough seas and strong winds, while yellow weather warnings have been issued for Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

The pre-alert, announced by the Canary Islands Directorate General for Emergencies, came into effect at midnight under the Canary Islands Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather (PEFMA), following forecasts from AEMET.

The pre-alert affects these areas:

• Tenerife – east, south and west coasts
• El Gran Canaria – east, south and west coasts
• Lanzarote – north-east coast
• Hierro – north and east coasts
• La Graciosa – north-east coast

At the same time, AEMET has activated yellow weather warnings for coastal conditions in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, which are expected to remain in force until 1:00am on Tuesday.

Strong winds and large waves expected

Forecasters are predicting strong north-easterly winds across the inter-island channels, with speeds of 50 to 61 km/h (Force 7), particularly south of the channel between Tenerife and Gran Canaria and in offshore waters to the south-east of Gran Canaria.

Wave heights are also expected to increase significantly:

• Tenerife: Waves could reach or exceed 2.5 metres along the south-east coast.
• Gran Canaria: Similar conditions are forecast on the island's west coast, with waves above 2.5 metres possible.
• El Hierro: Combined seas of up to 3.25 metres on the north-east coast, with waves exceeding 2 metres elsewhere along the north and east coast.
• Lanzarote and La Graciosa: Waves of between 2 and 2.5 metres are expected along north-east-facing coastlines.

Authorities have also warned that occasional waves could reach up to twice the forecast significant wave height, creating particularly dangerous conditions along exposed coastal areas.

Advice for the public

The Government is urging both residents and holidaymakers to exercise caution near the sea, avoid walking on exposed promenades, breakwaters and rocky coastlines, or bathing in areas with red flags, and follow any instructions issued by local authorities, lifeguards, or emergency services.

Anyone planning coastal activities over the next 24 hours is advised to check the latest weather updates before heading out.