Monday: intense heat and calima over the Islands
This Monday (6 July) marks the start of a hot week across the Canary Islands, with thermometers set to climb well above seasonal averages. A calima layer – Saharan dust suspended in the atmosphere – is drifting from east to west, adding a hazy tint to the sky. Winds from the north will be moderate but gusty at the eastern and western extremes, while the Atlantic remains mostly calm with a few rough patches.
General conditions
Temperatures: A significant rise is expected across all islands. The hottest spots will be the southern midlands and summits of Gran Canaria, where the mercury could hit 37–38°C. Interior areas of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, and La Gomera will see 34–36°C. Coastal areas in the north will be milder but still feel muggy. Mornings will be cooler, but the heat builds quickly by midday.
Wind: Moderate north winds, with stronger gusts (50–70 km/h) at the eastern and western tips of the archipelago, plus the southern side of Jandía Peninsula (Fuerteventura) later in the day.
Sea conditions: Rough ocean in exposed coasts and open Atlantic, with waves of 1–2 metres. Elsewhere, slightly choppy conditions prevail.
Calima: A layer of desert dust is moving in from the east, spreading across the entire island chain, though mostly at altitude. It will not significantly affect visibility at ground level but may produce a hazy sky.
Island-by-island forecast
Tenerife
Mostly clear skies, though low clouds (below 400–500m) are expected in northern areas early and late in the day. Light calima overhead. Maximum temperatures of 34–36°C in the eastern, southern, and western midlands, and locally in the metropolitan area. Mornings cooler, but strong warmth by early afternoon.
Gran Canaria
Another day of rising temperatures. Maximums of 37–38°C in the southern midlands and the summit area. A few low clouds (below 300–400m) in the north at dawn and dusk. Sunshine dominates, with calima at altitude. Moderate north wind, strong on the east coast.
Lanzarote
Sunny intervals with a few low clouds in the north and west during the early and late hours. Calima overhead. Warm temperatures: 26–35°C depending on location. Moderate north wind.
Fuerteventura
More heat inland, especially in the south and east, with local maximums above 35°C. Sunshine and hazy calima above. Strong north wind in Jandía, especially later in the day.
La Palma
Some low clouds hugging the coast in the early and late hours, otherwise sunny with summer-like temperatures: 25–34°C. Light to moderate northern breeze.
La Gomera
Clear skies except for a few morning low clouds in the north. Temperatures are up by several degrees, with maximums of 34–36°C in the midlands and higher altitudes.
El Hierro
Predominantly clear skies. Temperatures climbing: local maximums of 32–34°C in the southern midlands and summit area. Light to moderate north wind.
La Graciosa
Variable cloud cover with a muggy feel. Maximum temperatures of 28–29°C. Moderate north wind.
What to expect next
No major changes are expected in the coming days. The heat is likely to persist, and the calima may gradually thicken as the week progresses. Stay hydrated, seek shade during the hottest hours, and keep an eye on the sky for updates from local authorities.
