The Canary Islands face a new episode of intense haze which will affect all the islands over the weekend, with reduced visibility and a rise in temperatures. Forecasts point to the arrival of suspended dust From the early hours, gaining strength throughout the day and moving from the eastern islands towards the western ones.
La General Directorate of Emergencies has declared the pre-alert for calima throughout the archipelago since the 21:00 PM Saturday, a measure adopted with information from Aemet and within the framework of PEFMA (Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Phenomena). In addition, the following is activated: Pre-alert for coastal phenomena from 06:00 on Saturday on several exposed coastlines.
Expected concentrations and visibility
The models indicate surface concentrations of 50-200 µg/m³ in the western islands and values greater than 200 µg/m³ in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, extending to Gran Canaria and Tenerife from midday into the afternoon. visibility It will fall significantly, with more severe episodes in leeward and mid-altitude areas.
Notices and schedules by island
Aemet activates yellow notices Due to haze in the eastern islands and, in the afternoon, in Tenerife, with different time zones and a possible extension into Monday in mountain peaks and high-altitude areas. Meanwhile, the regional government maintains three pre-alertsHaze, rain in La Palma, and coastal phenomena. More details about the recent declaration are available at the note on the pre-alert.
- Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: 08:00-23:59, with a probability of continuation on Monday.
- Gran Canaria12:00-24:00; in the mountains it could last until Monday morning.
- Tenerife: 17:00-23:59, with local persistence in northern areas and high areas in the early morning.
Temperatures, wind and sea conditions
The episode will be accompanied by a moderate rise in temperaturesmore pronounced in the midlands and summits of Tenerife, La Palma, and Gran Canaria. In the island capitals, the maximum temperatures will be around 26-27 ºCwith similar or slightly higher values indoors. The temperature increase and its effects are documented in analyses on the impact of the episode.
The wind will blow from east component (E-SE), with intervals of strong and locally very intense gusts on the summits of Tenerife and La Palma, the western slopes of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and the mid-altitude areas of northern Tenerife. In other areas, they may occur NE regimes due to the influence of the trade winds. Consult the specific forecast for strong gusts in the Canary Islands.
At sea, one waits Combined sea of 2-3 m and north swell near 2 mwith strong winds 4 to 6 depending on the area. Variable weather patterns may occur on the west coast and tidal wave to strong tidal wavewith adverse conditions for navigation and coastal activities. Check advisories and recommendations regarding the waves in the Canary Islands.
Short forecast by island
En Lanzarote and Fuerteventura Partly cloudy skies will prevail, with an increase in mid/high clouds from midday onwards. noticeable haze at low levels and easterly winds with strong gusts on western slopes. Maximum temperatures will rise moderately (Arrecife 19/26, Puerto del Rosario 19/25).
En Gran CanariaGenerally clear skies, with haze more evident in the afternoon on southern and eastern slopes. Temperatures rise, with a spike in the summits and north; east and southeast winds in the midlands (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 19/26).
En TenerifeCloudy skies in the north and east at dawn with a low probability of drizzle, clearing throughout the morning. Haze since last minute and strong gusts in the central ridge and peaks (Santa Cruz de Tenerife 20/26).
En La Palma, will persist light to moderate rain in the morning on the eastern slope, tending to clear up and becoming mostly clear in the afternoon, when haze will enter the surfaceVery strong gusts are possible in high areas (Santa Cruz de La Palma 17/25).
En La Gomera and El HierroCloudy intervals in the north at first, turning to partly cloudy with afternoon hazeThe wind will shift from NE to E-SE with intervals of strong winds in exposed areas (San Sebastián de La Gomera 20/27; Valverde 15/22).
Coastal phenomena and most affected areas
The pre-alert for coastal phenomena It covers the north and west coasts of La Palma, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, as well as the northern coast of La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. It is recommended take extreme precautions on seafront promenades, piers, and surf zones. Consult the Information on pre-alert for wind and waves.
Next evolution and recommendations
The maximum of the dust intrusion The haze will be concentrated between midday Sunday and the afternoon. Looking ahead to Monday, the haze could persist in the lower levels. Visibility around 3.000 m in the south and east of Gran Canaria, while it gradually subsides in the rest.
Health authorities remind everyone that the haze can aggravate respiratory symptomsThis is especially important for people with chronic illnesses, the elderly, and children. When surface levels are high, it is advisable to reduce outdoor exposure and take appropriate protective measures.
- Use mask or scarf if there is discomfort when breathing.
- Avoid intense physical exercise outdoors and ventilate during the cleanest hours.
- Keep hydrous and follow the prescribed medication in case of respiratory illnesses.
- Consult official notices from Aemet and the Government of the Canary Islands before traveling or carrying out activities on the coast.
The episode will leave behind a murky atmosphere, higher temperatures, and rough seas, with warnings and pre-alerts Assets that will be adjusted as the dust intrusion evolves; it is advisable to plan movements, follow official information and adopt basic self-protection measures.
