The Canary Islands are set to experience a combination of two notable weather phenomena this Sunday, as reported by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). A lingering haze of calima (airborne Saharan dust) is expected to start dissipating, while light to moderate rainfall is anticipated, primarily in Tenerife and the western islands plus parts of northern Gran Canaria.
David Suárez, AEMET’s representative in the Canary Islands, explained that although a temporary improvement in air quality is expected today, Friday, a fresh wave of calima will arrive from the east on Saturday.
“Tomorrow, we’ll experience a resurgence of suspended dust entering from the east, which is likely to start subsiding from Sunday onwards,” he stated.
Rainfall to Follow
As the dust begins to clear, rainfall is expected to make its appearance late Sunday, persisting into Monday. These showers are forecast to affect the western Islands more significantly, with lighter and more localised rainfall in northern Gran Canaria.
The rains are expected to be generally weak to moderate, marking a shift from the dry, dusty conditions of the past week.
High Temperatures to Ease
Unseasonably high temperatures have accompanied the calima, with some areas, such as La Aldea de San Nicolás in Gran Canaria, recording highs above 35°C this week. However, temperatures are forecast to drop noticeably by Monday or Tuesday, bringing a return to more typical November weather.
Although AEMET has not issued heat records for this month, Suárez noted that the agency would review the data and release a detailed analysis in its December quarterly report.
December Bank Holiday Weekend Outlook
Looking ahead to the December Bank Holiday weekend (6th–9th), initial models suggest stable weather conditions. Suárez indicated that the Azores High is expected to settle in its usual position by early next week, which typically brings calm and stable weather to the region.
"While it’s still early for certainty, the models currently predict predominantly stable weather for the upcoming holiday weekend,” Suárez added.
Residents and visitors to the Canary Islands are advised to monitor weather updates and prepare for a weekend of shifting conditions as the region transitions from hazy skies to cooler, potentially wetter days.
