canary islands pre alert winds heatwave

Canary Islands on pre-alert for strong winds and 37°C heat

Pre-alert declared for strong winds and soaring temperatures

Excessive heat in the Canary Islands does not mean the archipelago is immune to wind. In fact, the combination of these two phenomena is typical during the summer months, and the weather over the coming days will be a perfect example. So much so, that it comes as no surprise the regional government will declare a pre-alert on Monday for strong gusts and high temperatures.

Between Monday and Tuesday, according to the forecast from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour will coincide with temperatures that could reach 37 degrees. Although this may seem unusual, there is a clear explanation.

Why is this happening? Aemet explains

Aemet explained on its social media channels that this situation will arise because “on the one hand, the Azores high-pressure system is set to strengthen, and on the other, heating over the Sahara will cause air to rise, creating low-pressure areas to the west of the islands”. As a result, “a corridor will be established between the two pressure centres, through which the wind will intensify at lower levels,” the agency added.

Furthermore, “these rising air currents over Africa cause the wind at higher levels to turn eastwards, bringing a warm, dry mass of air above the inversion layer, which will be lower than usual these days,” Aemet continued.

Calima possible but not the main concern

Over the coming days, Aemet clarified that “it cannot be ruled out that this warm, dry air mass will be accompanied by calima (Saharan dust haze),” although this would not be the most significant phenomenon, as it will be at altitude. As such, it could affect the summits of the islands.

When and where will temperatures be highest?

Between Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will be particularly high, exceeding warning thresholds mainly in mid-altitude areas facing south on Gran Canaria from Monday onwards, and then on Tuesday in Tenerife and La Gomera. Aemet confirmed that the most challenging days will be Monday and Tuesday, as a widespread drop in temperatures is expected by Wednesday.

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