canarias weather change cooling calima

Canarias faces a change in the weather with cooling and calima

Weather shift ahead for the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are bracing for a change in the weather over the coming days, following several episodes marked by heat, calima dust, and tropical nights in parts of the archipelago. The presence of a DANA (an isolated low-pressure system at high altitude) located to the north of the islands will help to reorganise the atmosphere, which, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), will allow for a gradual moderation of temperatures.

This pocket of cold air at altitude is expected to move towards higher latitudes over the weekend, eventually settling to the west of the Spanish mainland. This movement will help push northwards the dry, very hot air mass that has influenced the weather in recent days, particularly in southern mainland Spain and areas of the archipelago.

Gradual cooling, but not everywhere at once

In the Canary Islands, the most noticeable effect will be a gradual drop in temperatures, although relief will not come immediately or be uniform across all islands. Coastal areas will feel the cooling sooner, while mid-altitude zones, inland areas, and south-facing slopes will continue to see high values at certain times.

Before the temperature drop fully sets in, the heat will continue to affect various parts of the Canary Islands. Forecasts indicate that the highest values will be concentrated in the interiors of the westernmost islands and on the southern slopes of the eastern islands, where thermometers could reach or exceed 30°C. The situation will be especially sensitive in mid-altitude areas, where ventilation is often lower and nighttime temperatures can remain high.

In episodes like this, the feeling of mugginess increases when heat, humidity, and suspended dust coincide—a common scenario during calima events. In northern coastal areas and in capitals such as Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife, temperatures are expected to be more moderate than inland. The available forecast for Las Palmas de Gran Canaria places highs between 26°C and 29°C over the coming days, while in Santa Cruz de Tenerife a gradual rise is expected, with more moderate values at ground level.

Calima and wind: what to expect

The calima dust will continue to be present at low levels, especially in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and parts of Gran Canaria, before gradually clearing as the atmospheric circulation changes. The suspended dust can reduce visibility and worsen air quality, particularly for people with respiratory issues, the elderly, children, or vulnerable populations.

Aemet continues to operate its Calima Project, a tool developed by the agency and the Izaña Atmospheric Research Centre for monitoring suspended mineral dust. This resource allows users to track the progress of the calima and its impact at observation stations, including the one in Santa Cruz.

Wind will be another factor contributing to the changing scenario. Over the coming days, a light to moderate northerly flow will predominate, tending to turn northwesterly in some areas. In the mountains, the wind will generally be light to moderate, with variations depending on the island and altitude. The arrival of fresher winds will help to keep temperatures in check on north-facing slopes, where cloudy intervals may also appear. In contrast, leeward areas, particularly in the southern and western mid-altitude zones, will maintain a warmer environment.

A gradual transition, not a sudden change

The forecast does not point to a sudden change in the weather, but rather a gradual transition from a scenario dominated by heat and calima to a slightly milder one. The DANA will not necessarily bring widespread rain to the Canary Islands, but it will modify the arrangement of air masses and provide a thermal respite.

At the national level, Aemet has warned of a spell of very high and persistent temperatures on the Spanish mainland and in the Balearic Islands, with particular impact on inland areas. The Canary Islands are in a different position within this setup, as the evolution of the DANA and the change in winds will allow for a more noticeable moderation in the archipelago.

Health advice during the heat and calima

Although temperatures are set to fall, health authorities advise maintaining preventive measures during the hot days. It is advisable to drink water frequently, avoid direct sun exposure during the central hours of the day, reduce intense physical exertion, and pay special attention to the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. In the case of calima, it is recommended to limit outdoor physical activity if you have respiratory problems, close windows when dust concentrations increase, and follow official information from Aemet and emergency services.

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