The intense heat affecting the Canary Islands is beginning to ease today, Friday, although forecasts show that the change will initially be slight and temperatures remain well above normal for late September.

A more noticeable drop is expected over the weekend, but another very warm day lies ahead for much of the archipelago, particularly in southern Gran Canaria and parts of Fuerteventura.

The weather is also becoming increasingly unstable. Medium and high cloud will leave generally grey skies across the islands, while calima will remain suspended in the atmosphere and mix with the cloud cover.

Thunderstorms are expected to develop around Tenerife and the western islands, with electrical activity possible and large drops of rain rather than prolonged rainfall.

Winds will generally be light from the north-east around coastal areas, although thunderstorms could generate sudden stronger gusts, particularly around exposed southern areas of the more mountainous islands.

At sea, conditions will remain relatively rough, with waves of around 1.5 metres on northern coasts and above one metre in more sheltered southern areas.

Island-by-island-forecast for Friday 25^th September:

Tenerife
Another hot and increasingly cloudy day is expected, with high cloud and the possibility of sporadic large drops of rain. Thunderstorms may develop around the island, potentially producing locally strong wind gusts. Temperatures will remain very high for the time of year reaching 30°C in the south, despite the beginning of the gradual cooling trend.

Gran Canaria
Medium and high cloud will become widespread, but heat remains the main feature. Temperatures in southern parts of the island could exceed 36°C again, while elsewhere is forecast to range from around 24°C to 30°C. Warm overnight conditions will continue.

Lanzarote
Temperatures will begin falling, with general temperatures expected to range from approximately 25°C to 30°C. Medium and high cloud will cover much of the island, with relatively light winds. Calima will remain present in the atmosphere.

Fuerteventura
The temperature drop should be slightly more noticeable, although inland and southern areas remain very hot. Puerto del Rosario is expected to range from approximately 23°C to 29°C, while temperatures could still exceed 34°C around Pájara. High cloud will be widespread.

The overall cooling trend should become more apparent as the weekend progresses, bringing an end to the most intense phase of the current spell of exceptionally warm September weather.