Countdown to a celestial spectacle
The weather looks set to favour the Canary Islands next Wednesday, 12 August, as the countdown begins to one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the summer: a solar eclipse. In the archipelago, the Moon will partially obscure the Sun in a spectacle not witnessed from the Islands in at least two decades. And for now, everything appears to be aligning in the Canarians’ favour, because although the Sun will only be partially hidden, the chances of enjoying the eclipse from any point in the archipelago are high.
Mostly clear skies expected
The first forecast from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) for that day indicates that skies over the Canary Islands, as in most of the mainland, will be practically clear, with the exception of some areas of Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. “Ideally there would be no cloud cover at all that day, but given that the most likely scenario is one-eighth cloud cover, it won’t be a bad day,” says Víctor Quintero, Aemet’s delegate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
According to this indicator, only a small portion of the celestial vault – precisely one-eighth – will be covered, translating into a day with very sparse cloud. In this context, intervals of low cloud are expected on the northern slopes of the islands with more pronounced relief, particularly Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Meanwhile, skies in the south will be considerably clearer. In Lanzarote and, above all, Fuerteventura, some medium-level cloud may also appear.
However, the forecast suggests that these clouds will tend to dissipate as the afternoon progresses, meaning that by around 6pm, skies will generally be clearer, with only remnants remaining in La Gomera, northern Tenerife, northern Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.
Warm temperatures and fresh trade winds
Those venturing out to observe the eclipse should also expect warmer than average conditions. “It will still be fairly warm, but not the heat we have experienced in recent days,” Quintero clarifies. Temperatures that day will be slightly above the normal values for August, partly because the Canary Islands remain under the influence of the Saharan air mass, although it is gradually retreating. “We know temperatures are already falling, but tomorrow there will be a slight uptick, on Sunday they will resume their downward trend, and on Wednesday they will rise a little again,” he notes.
Values between 26 and 32 degrees are expected. In some areas, such as the southern slopes of Gran Canaria and the southern zone of Lanzarote, maximums could reach up to 34 degrees. “These won’t be values that trigger weather warnings, except on the southern slopes of Gran Canaria, which we’ll need to keep an eye on,” he adds. But nothing that the trade winds, which have arrived to stay, cannot alleviate – perhaps a little more than usual, as intervals of very strong winds and gusts are expected in the most exposed areas that day.
Fire risk and precautions
As for the Forest Fire Danger Index (IPIF), the Canary Islands will remain at moderate level during the days leading up to and including 12 August, coinciding with the solar eclipse. The situation, however, is set to worsen after the event, with Thursday 13 August expected to bring an increased danger, with a greater extension of territory under high or very high levels. Given this outlook, Aemet recommends taking extreme precautions when heading into the countryside and mountains throughout the week, particularly avoiding any activity that could spark a fire.
Forecast may still change
Although the forecasts point to favourable conditions for observing the eclipse, Quintero reminds that there are still around five days to go and conditions could change. He recommends staying alert to the weather evolution in the days leading up to the event, as forecasts will be updated as the prediction horizon draws nearer.
What’s happening in the Canaries – straight to your phone
News, weather alerts and practical updates – direct from the islands, in English. We live here and know what’s going on – before the international media catch up. Everything lands on our WhatsApp channel – no middlemen, no algorithm. Curated for families, expats and travelers.
Sunday: sun returns with a rough Atlantic
Tyre checks: Guardia Civil fines for unsafe wheels
Tenerife weather: Cloudy skies and cooler temperatures forecast
Saturday: clouds, light showers and a calm Atlantic
Tenerife weather: rain and strong winds despite 31C heat
Friday: cloudy skies and possible drizzle
Thursday: stable summer weather across the Islands
Tenerife weather: Temperatures rise again on Wednesday
Wednesday: mixed clouds and warm Atlantic
