The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an alert for a significant weather change this weekend as a DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) is expected to impact various regions of Spain, particularly the mainland and the Balearic Islands, but also the Canary Islands.
Following a period of almost summer-like temperatures, intense rains, thunderstorms, high-altitude snowfall, and a notable drop in temperatures are anticipated across multiple areas.
Ten regions of Spain, including Andalusia, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León, Catalonia, Murcia, Navarre, the Basque Country, La Rioja, and the Valencian Community, are under a yellow weather warning today (Friday), due to heavy rainfall and storms. Some areas may see up to 25 litres per square metre of rainfall within an hour.
Despite the severe weather forecast for mainland Spain, the Canary Islands are not expected to experience the direct impact of the DANA as it is passing by the archipelago, but that could change and the weather could worsen quickly. However, AEMET are still forecasting rain and strong winds across the islands, which, combined with dropping temperatures, will lead to cooler and cloudier conditions.
Cloudy skies with occasional light rain are expected today in the northern areas of the higher islands. Minimum temperatures will rise slightly, while maximum temperatures may drop slightly. Moderate northeasterly winds will blow, with stronger gusts expected in the southeast and northwest regions.
In elevated areas of La Palma, particularly the southeast, very strong gusts are expected later in the day. Additionally, islands such as Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura could experience calima (dust haze), especially in mid-altitude regions.
Tomorrow, Saturday, the Canary Islands will continue to see cloudy skies over the northern areas of the mountainous islands, with moderate rainfall that could be persistent in mid-altitude zones. Other areas will experience intervals of clouds with a low chance of rain. Temperatures are expected to drop, particularly in inland regions, while the northeasterly winds will intensify, bringing very strong gusts to the mountain peaks and southeast and northwest slopes.
Sunday’s weather pattern will be similar, with continued cloudy skies over the northern regions of the larger islands and persistent light to moderate rains in mid-altitude areas. Temperatures will remain stable, and strong northeasterly winds will persist, especially in elevated regions and slopes facing southeast and northwest.
Although the Canary Islands will be spared the most severe effects of the DANA, Aemet advises caution, particularly in areas vulnerable to strong wind gusts and rain that may persist throughout the weekend in elevated regions, as conditions can change quickly for the worse with this type of weather pattern.
