‘Maximum Level’ Orange Alert for wind, calima and storms activated in the Canary Islands
AEMET has activated a “maximum level” orange alert across the Canary Islands as the archipelago faces a period of severe weather, including strong winds, storms, and a significant calima.
The alert, issued by the Canary Islands Government through its Directorate General of Emergencies and based on AEMET forecasts, came into effect from 5:00pm today (Thursday 26th February), with further escalation to an orange wind warning from midnight on Friday (27th February).
Gusts over 90 km/h — and potentially exceeding 100 km/h
Forecasters expect strong north-easterly winds, with gusts between 70 and 80 km/h in exposed parts of the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
However, the most severe conditions are forecast in the highlands and windward slopes of several islands, where gusts may reach or exceed 100 km/h, particularly in:
- El Hierro – high areas and southeast/southwest slopes
- La Palma – high areas and northwest/southeast slopes
- La Gomera – high areas and southeast/southwest/west slopes
- Tenerife – the northwest ridge, Dorsal mountain chain, southeast face, and upland southwest zones including Las Cañadas del Teide
- Gran Canaria – high peaks and southeast/southwest slopes
Elsewhere across the islands, strong gusty winds are expected, with Lanzarote and Fuerteventura likely to see gusts above 70 km/h.
From rain and storms to a thick calima
Latest weather forecasts show showers, wind and isolated thunderstorms. But the most impactful change will arrive as the weather system driving the instability moves east towards Africa.
As it weakens over the Canaries, a mass of dry, dust-laden Saharan air will spread in from the east, triggering a potentially intense and widespread calima. According to forecast models, the dust intrusion will:
- Begin early Friday over the eastern isles before quickly expanding westward
- Lead to poor visibility
- Produce hazy, dust-filled skies
- Create a much drier atmosphere
This rapid shift means the archipelago will move within hours from rain and storms to severe dust and strong winds, with active alerts across several islands.
Authorities advise residents and visitors to follow official updates, limit outdoor activity during heavy dust episodes, and secure items that could be blown by strong gusts.
Share:
