August begins with a burst of intense heat and a layer of calima drifting across the Canary Islands. It’s a dry, hot and hazy start to the weekend.
General conditions
The day brings mostly clear skies, though a few early clouds may linger in lower northern areas. Later in the afternoon, a band of high clouds is expected to cross the archipelago from south to north. But the main story is the heat – temperatures are climbing across all islands.
Saharan dust (calima) will be present, especially noticeable in the midlands and on the higher peaks. It’s set to thicken the air and slightly reduce visibility.
Winds will blow from the north-northeast, generally light to moderate. Stronger gusts are possible in the far southeast and northwest during the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Atlantic remains calm: northern exposed coasts will see waves around a metre high, while sheltered southern bays stay virtually flat with ripples of about 0.5 metres.
Tenerife
Mainly clear skies across the island after a few early low clouds below 400 metres on the north coast. Calima is present, more noticeable in the midlands and summits. Winds from the north, light to moderate. Temperatures rising, with localised highs of 37°C in the southern peaks and midlands. In the capital, expect a range of 24°C to 34°C.
Gran Canaria
Morning cloud patches in the northern lowlands will clear to leave mostly clear skies. Calima is present. North winds, light to moderate, will pick up in the southeast and northwest. Temperatures rising significantly – localised records of 40°C are possible in the southern midlands and southeast. The capital will max out at around 28°C.
Lanzarote
A clear day with calima in the air. North winds. Temperatures could exceed 36°C in the interior and southeast. In Arrecife, the mercury will range from 23°C to 34°C.
Fuerteventura
Clear skies with calima. Northerly winds will accelerate around the south of Jandía in the afternoon. Expect localised highs above 38°C in the interior and southeast. In the capital, temperatures will hover between 22°C and 33°C.
La Palma
Morning intervals of cloud in the north will clear to leave a mostly clear day. Calima present. Winds from the north-northeast, stronger in the far southeast and northwest. Localised highs above 35°C possible in the western midlands and peaks.
La Gomera
Mostly clear with calima. Northerly winds. Temperatures may locally exceed 34°C in the southern midlands.
El Hierro
Mostly clear with calima in the air. Winds from the north-northeast. Temperatures could reach or surpass 34°C in the southern and southeastern peaks and midlands.
La Graciosa
Clear skies with calima higher up. Light to moderate northerly winds. In Caleta de Sebo, temperatures will range from a pleasant 22°C to 30°C.
Stay hydrated, avoid the sun during midday, and keep an eye out for any heat advisories. Enjoy the weekend, but take it easy in the heat.
