Storm Regina brings rain, wind and possibly snow to the Canary Islands

The storm system Regina is battering the Canary Islands with a volatile mix of rain, strong winds, coastal turbulence, calima and even snow at higher elevations, as Spain’s Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) keeps yellow weather warnings active across the archipelago for several more hours.

The regional government has also activated a pre-alert for snowfall on Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria, as colder air combines with unstable conditions brought by the Atlantic low-pressure system.

Tuesday: rain, falling temperatures and hurricane-force gusts at summits

Cloudy skies and scattered showers are expected throughout Tuesday, with weak to moderate rainfall affecting mainly the northern slopes of the mountainous islands and the easternmost islands in particular. Some showers could turn heavier and may be accompanied by isolated thunderstorms.

Snow levels are forecast to remain above 1,700 to 1,800 metres on Tenerife, with a lower probability of snowfall on Gran Canaria and La Palma at elevations above 1,800 to 2,000 metres. Light to moderate frost is expected on Tenerife’s peaks and lighter frost on La Palma.

Temperatures will dip slightly to moderately, with the most noticeable drops in mid-altitude and highland areas. On Tenerife, the decline could be particularly marked around Mount Teide.

Wind is set to be one of the most significant hazards. Very strong gusts are likely in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as on the summits and northeast and southwest slopes of the mountainous islands. In Tenerife and La Palma’s highest areas, gusts could locally reach 100 km/h. Coastal areas across the islands remain under warning for rough seas.

Island-by-island outlook for Tuesday

Lanzarote: Cloud intervals, becoming mostly cloudy in the morning and late evening, with occasional weak to moderate showers. Temperatures slightly down. Strong northerly winds turning northwest, with probable very strong gusts. Arrecife: 13°C–19°C.

Fuerteventura: Similar pattern, with cloudier skies during central and late hours and occasional showers. Minimum temperatures largely unchanged, maximums slightly lower. Strong northerly winds veering northwest, with very strong gusts. Puerto del Rosario: 14°C–19°C.

Gran Canaria: Cloudy spells, especially overnight and in central hours in the north and interior. Occasional weak to moderate rain, mainly in the north and inland. Low probability of snow above 1,800–1,900 metres. Moderate temperature drop away from the coast. Strong northerly winds turning northwest, with very strong gusts in high and exposed areas. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 15°C–18°C.

Tenerife: Mostly cloudy in the north and east, with weak to moderate rain that could become persistent in those areas. Snow possible above 1,800–2,000 metres. Moderate temperature fall, potentially notable on Mount Teide. Very strong gusts on northeast and western slopes and at high elevations. Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 14°C–18°C.

La Gomera: Cloudier in the north and interior, with weak to moderate rainfall mainly in those areas. Slight to moderate temperature decline. Strong northerly winds with very strong gusts on exposed slopes and peaks. San Sebastián de La Gomera: 15°C–19°C.

La Palma: Predominantly cloudy in the north, with occasional weak to moderate rain. Snow possible above 1,900–2,000 metres. Light frost at summits. Strong northerly winds and very strong gusts on northeast and northwest slopes and at higher elevations. Santa Cruz de La Palma: 14°C–18°C.

El Hierro: Cloudy intervals, especially in the north and northeast, with occasional weak to moderate showers. Slight to moderate temperature drop. Strong northerly winds and probable very strong gusts in exposed areas and peaks.

Wednesday: gradual improvement but calima threat returns

Conditions are expected to gradually improve on Wednesday, particularly late in the afternoon. Sunny spells may develop during central hours in the eastern islands, although weak to moderate rainfall and isolated thunderstorms cannot be ruled out earlier in the day.

Forecasters warn that a new mass of suspended dust could reach the archipelago by the afternoon, potentially triggering another episode of calima — the haze phenomenon caused by Saharan dust — reducing visibility and affecting air quality across the Canary Islands once again.