Yellow and orange weather warnings for a DANA storm system coming to the Canary Islands
A high-altitude low-pressure system known as a DANA is moving close to the Canary Islands today, bringing a sharp change from the recent settled spring-like conditions. Forecasters are warning of several days of instability, with today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) expected to see the most significant impacts.
Heavy showers, strong winds, calima (Saharan dust), rough seas and even possible snowfall are all on the cards in what officials have described as a “meteorological cocktail”.
Coastal and Snow Alerts in Place
The Canary Islands Government has declared a coastal alert for the western islands of La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro, as well as the north and west coasts of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. Waves of up to five metres are forecast.
A pre-alert for snow has also been activated in the higher areas of Tenerife above 1,800 metres, including around Mount Teide, where snowfall is considered possible.
Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, has issued yellow weather warnings today for heavy rain in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Yellow warnings for strong winds and dangerous coastal conditions are in force across the archipelago.
Rain is expected to develop from early morning, becoming locally moderate and heavier in the north of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Calima to Cloud in the Eastern Islands
While rainfall is likely to help clear the atmosphere over Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and the western and islands, conditions in the eastern islands (Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Graciosa) are expected to deteriorate due to incoming Saharan dust.
Strong north-easterly winds will intensify later in the day, with gusts potentially reaching 90km/h in higher areas. Temperatures are forecast to dip moderately at first.
However, by tomorrow the yellow wind warning will be upgraded to orange (high risk) in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma and La Gomera, where gusts could exceed 90km/h. Yellow warnings will remain in place in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Graciosa. Rough sea warnings will continue across all islands.
As the system evolves, more widespread calima is expected, driven by south-easterly winds from the African continent. Higher concentrations of dust are likely in mid-altitude and mountainous areas, with daytime temperatures rising moderately as a result.
“Mud Rain” Likely
Residents and visitors are advised not to wash their cars over the next couple of days. The combination of rain and suspended dust is likely to produce “mud rain”, particularly late today and early tomorrow.
Air quality is expected to improve from Saturday morning as the dust begins to clear and rainfall eases, although some light showers may still affect northern areas over the weekend.
Snow remains possible on Mount Teide above 1,800 metres as February draws to a close.
Safety Advice for Residents and Tourists
The Canary Islands Government is urging people to avoid piers, breakwaters and exposed coastal areas due to the risk of being struck or swept away by waves. Water sports activities should be postponed and swimming at unguarded or isolated beaches is strongly discouraged.
Motorists are advised to take extra care, particularly on exposed roads, due to strong gusts and the potential for debris. Residents should secure loose items on balconies and rooftops to prevent them being blown into the street.
The first signs of the change in weather were felt yesterday, with worsening sea conditions, moderate gusts and rainfall in northern Tenerife. Local weather stations recorded 8.8mm of rain in San Juan de la Rambla, 6.4mm in La Victoria de Acentejo and 5.3mm at Tenerife North Airport.
The strongest gusts were recorded at La Palma Airport (78km/h) and Lanzarote Airport (72km/h).
Adverse weather has already led to some Carnival schedule changes. In Santiago del Teide (Tenerife), the Adult Queen Gala for the Los Gigantes Carnival has been postponed from today to tomorrow due to the forecast conditions.
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