Monday brings wind, dust, and a churned-up Atlantic
Islanders should brace for a blustery and dusty start to the week. Monday, 30 March, will be dominated by strong northeast winds, the arrival of Saharan dust, and very rough ocean conditions across the archipelago.
General Outlook
The day will see scattered clouds in the north and northeast of the more mountainous islands, with mostly clear skies elsewhere. Saharan dust will arrive, particularly affecting Fuerteventura and Lanzarote in the afternoon, before spreading westwards. It is expected to reach lowlands, mid-altitude areas, and peaks of Gran Canaria by the evening.
Daytime temperatures will be pleasant, ranging from 18ºC to 24ºC on the coasts. A moderate to strong northeast wind will prevail, with intervals of very strong gusts exceeding 70 km/h likely on southeastern and northwestern slopes and the high peaks of the mountainous islands.
The Atlantic will be rough. A combined north-northeast swell on coasts open to the north and the western shores of La Gomera, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote could bring waves over 3 metres. Elsewhere, strong rough seas with waves over 2 metres are forecast.
Island-by-Island Forecast
Tenerife
Clear skies in the morning will give way to cloud in the north and northeast by midday. The rest of the island stays clear. A moderate trade wind will bring probable very strong gusts over 70 km/h on the southeastern and northwestern extremities. A high of 22ºC is expected in Santa Cruz.
Gran Canaria
The classic ‘panza de burro’ cloud layer will cover the north and northeast, with some breaks possible around midday. The rest of the island will be clear and sunny. A moderate northeast wind could bring very strong gusts on the peaks and exposed slopes. Saharan dust is probable from the late afternoon onwards. Las Palmas will see a high of 21ºC.
Lanzarote
Clear skies with surface-level calima, becoming more intense in the south during the afternoon. A strong trade wind will blow, with intervals of an easterly component overnight. Temperatures in Arrecife will range from 16ºC to 22ºC.
Fuerteventura
Clear skies with calima at surface level, intensifying in the afternoon. A moderate northeast wind is forecast, with intervals of a strong easterly component overnight. Puerto del Rosario will see temperatures between 16ºC and 21ºC.
La Palma
Mostly clear or clear skies, except for cloudy intervals in the northeast and east. Moderate trade winds are expected, with probable very strong gusts over 90 km/h in high areas and the northwestern and southeastern extremities. Santa Cruz de La Palma will reach around 20ºC.
La Gomera
Cloudy skies in the north and interior, with mostly clear or clear conditions elsewhere. A moderate northeast wind will bring probable very strong gusts. Temperatures will be pleasant.
El Hierro
Scattered clouds in the far northwest and northeast. The rest of the island will be clear. A moderate to strong trade wind is expected, with intervals of a strong easterly component in mid-altitude areas. Temperatures will range from 11ºC to 15ºC.
La Graciosa
Clear skies with light calima in the afternoon. A strong northeast wind is forecast. Caleta de Sebo will see temperatures from 17ºC to 21ºC.
