Heavy rain, cooler weather and even snow forecast across the Canary Islands this week
The Canary Islands are set for a noticeably wetter and cooler week ahead, as fresh northeasterly and northwesterly winds take over and finally push away the recent calima that has been lingering over the archipelago.
Once the dust haze retreats, the rain will become the main feature of the weather forecast, with showers expected across all islands and particularly heavy falls likely in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Lanzarote.
Forecasters also warn that, as temperatures drop on the highest peaks, snow could return to Mount Teide towards the weekend.
The week will begin calmly, with mostly clear skies, calima and no major changes in temperatures today (Monday). Winds will still blow from the south and southwest on Monday and Tuesday as high cloud gradually increases.
By Wednesday (10th December), winds will shift to come from the north and northeast, bringing thicker cloud and widespread rain while a weather front sweeps the islands from north to south. The heaviest downpours are expected in La Palma and Gran Canaria.
On Thursday, conditions should briefly improve as that front moves away, with a dry day forecast for much of the archipelago.
However, Friday looks set to bring another round of more intense and widespread rain as a new Atlantic front moves in from the northwest. It is expected to arrive first in La Palma, with significant rainfall on the northern slopes, before spreading eastwards.
During the first half of the day, rain is forecast in northern Tenerife, the metropolitan area, the north of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and northern Fuerteventura, with lighter showers in La Gomera and El Hierro. As the day progresses, the rain is likely to reach southern areas of all islands as well.
Showers are expected to continue into Saturday, especially in the eastern islands and Tenerife. If current predictions hold, the summit of Teide could see snowfall late on Saturday night into Sunday, marking one of the first wintry scenes of the season.
AEMET forecast: first half of the week
Spain’s meteorological agency AEMET outlines the following forecast:
Monday:
Mainly clear with light calima, gradually easing from east to west. Temperatures stable. Light southerly winds, occasionally moderate in exposed areas, and coastal breezes at night.
Tuesday:
High cloud increasing from the west. Little low cloud overall, though it may appear in the interior of western islands later, with the chance of light rain in northern La Palma. Temperatures steady, perhaps slightly higher at altitude. Winds variable but tending southerly on coasts, and south to southwest at higher levels.
Wednesday:
Cloudier on the northern slopes of the larger islands with light, locally moderate and persistent rain in mid-altitude areas. Elsewhere, cloudier periods and occasional light showers are possible. Slight drop in maximum temperatures in inland northern areas. Northeasterly winds strengthening, particularly at altitude on Teide.
Thursday:
Partly cloudy in the north of mountainous islands and in Lanzarote, with the possibility of light, isolated showers. Clearer elsewhere. Temperatures unchanged. Northeasterly winds light to moderate, stronger from the north on the highest parts of Teide.
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