Wednesday: first heatwave of the season hits the Islands
The Canary Islands are bracing for the first heatwave of the year this Wednesday, 29 July. Temperatures are on the rise across the archipelago, especially in the mid-altitude areas and higher slopes of the southern and western faces of the mountainous islands, where the mercury is expected to exceed 30°C. Light calima, suspended Saharan dust, will drift across the sky, particularly in the afternoon, while a moderate trade wind will bring strong gusts to exposed coasts.
General conditions
Cloudy skies will dominate the northern slopes of the mountainous islands below 700–900 metres in the morning, clearing up around midday and leaving mostly clear skies by the afternoon. Along the coasts of Fuerteventura and western Lanzarote, variable cloud cover will also tend to clear. The moderate trade wind will be strong at times in the southeast and northwest, as well as inland in Lanzarote and the Jandía area of Fuerteventura, where gusts could exceed 70 km/h during the afternoon. At sea, the Atlantic will be relatively calm, with waves around one metre off the northern coasts and slightly choppy conditions in sheltered southern areas.
Tenerife
Cloudy in the north below 900 metres, with wide clear spells around midday and mostly clear skies later. Moderate trade wind, stronger on the southeast and northwest coasts. Temperatures rising, especially in the mid-altitudes of the east, south and west, where local highs could reach 32°C. In the capital, Santa Cruz, the maximum will hover around 30°C.
Gran Canaria
The famous ‘panza de burro’ cloudbank will cover the north below 700 metres, breaking up around midday. Mostly clear elsewhere. Moderate trade wind, picking up in the afternoon in the southeast and northwest, where very strong gusts cannot be ruled out. Temperatures climbing in the mid-altitudes of the south, west and the Tejeda basin, with local highs of up to 34°C.
Lanzarote
Clear skies, with some intervals early and late in the day in the north. Moderate trade wind, stronger inland and in the south. Temperatures in Arrecife will range from 21°C to 28°C.
Fuerteventura
Clear, except for intervals at dawn and dusk. Moderate trade wind, strongest in the Jandía area during the afternoon. Temperatures rising, with local highs above 31°C in the southeast. In the capital, Puerto del Rosario, the mercury will move between 21°C and 28°C.
La Palma
Cloudy in the north and east below 900 metres, clearing up during the day. Clear elsewhere. Moderate trade wind, strongest on the southeast and northwest coastal strips in the afternoon. Temperatures rising, especially in the mid-altitudes.
La Gomera
Clear skies, except for some cloud intervals in the north. Moderate trade wind, picking up in the afternoon. Temperatures climbing, with local highs above 30°C in the mid-altitudes of the south and west.
El Hierro
Mostly clear. Moderate trade wind, stronger in the east and northwest. Temperatures rising in the mid-altitudes and higher areas, where they could reach 30°C.
La Graciosa
Variable cloud cover. Moderate trade wind. Temperatures in Caleta de Sebo will range from 22°C to 26°C.
Stay safe
With the first heatwave of the season upon us, remember to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of midday and early afternoon, and never leave children or pets in parked cars. Keep an eye on official alerts as conditions can change rapidly.
