Alert activated for heavy rain across the Canary Islands from 10:00am this Thursday
The Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General for Emergencies has declared an official alert for persistent and heavy rain, which will come into effect from 10:00am this Thursday, as Storm Therese approaches the archipelago.
This warning adds to existing alerts already in place for strong winds, affecting Tenerife, the western islands, and Gran Canaria, alerts for snow at peaks of Tenerife and La Palma, as well as coastal alerts for all of the islands.
Heavy rain expected from midday
According to forecasts, the first significant rainfall will hit La Palma from around midday, particularly in the north-west and higher ground. The rain is then expected to spread southwards across the island, with intensities potentially exceeding 25 litres per square metre in one hour.
Accumulated rainfall in these areas could reach up to 85 litres per square metre over 12 hours, especially in elevated regions.
During the afternoon, the weather system will move across to Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera, bringing further heavy rain, particularly in northern, western, and high-altitude areas.
In Tenerife, rainfall could become persistent in mountainous zones, with a possibility of snowfall at higher elevations. Accumulations may exceed 130 litres per square metre within 12 hours, especially in central highlands.
Conditions spread eastwards
By early Friday morning, the front is expected to reach Gran Canaria, where heavy rain is forecast in the highlands and south-west. Rainfall totals here could surpass 55 litres per square metre over 12 hours.
Later in the morning, the instability will extend to Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, although rainfall in these islands is expected to be less intense and less persistent.
Further unsettled weather to follow
Another weather front is forecast to arrive early Friday afternoon, once again affecting La Palma, before spreading to the rest of the western islands.
During this phase, rainfall intensities could reach up to 15 litres per square metre per hour, with accumulated totals exceeding 92.5 litres over 12 hours, particularly in western La Palma and south-west Tenerife.
Authorities continue to advise residents and visitors to remain alert, follow official updates, and take appropriate precautions as conditions develop.
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