Yellow Weather Alerts Issued for Canary Islands Due to Calima
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued yellow weather alerts across the Canary Islands this Saturday, starting at 9:00 AM, due to the presence of calima— dust from the Sahara—expected to intensify significantly during the latter part of the day. Temperatures will remain largely unchanged, and skies will be mostly clear.
The Canary Islands' Directorate General of Emergencies has declared a state of pre-alert for calima beginning at 6:00 PM on Friday, January 3. This weather phenomenon will primarily impact the southern slopes of the islands.
According to the regional government, this decision is based on information provided by Aemet and other available sources, in line with the Canary Islands' Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
Weather Conditions
Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast, becoming stronger in the western and northeastern slopes of the western islands during the central hours of the day. These winds will weaken and shift to light southerly breezes by the afternoon.
At sea, southeastern winds of force 4 to 5 are expected, easing to force 3 to 4 along the coasts of El Hierro and the eastern province. Coastal areas will experience slight to moderate seas, with a westerly or northwesterly swell of up to one meter.
Tenerife
Mostly clear with high clouds. Significant calima during the afternoon and evening.
Winds: Light winds from the south, stronger along eastern and western coasts during midday, with breezes in northern areas. Light, variable winds in high-altitude areas.
Forecast temperatures (°C): Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 16 – 22
Gran Canaria
Mostly clear with high clouds. Intense calima expected during the second half of the day. Winds: Light southeast winds, stronger in western and northeastern areas during midday, shifting to light southerly breezes in the afternoon.
Forecast temperatures (°C): Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 16 – 23
Fuerteventura
Mostly clear with high clouds. Calima may significantly reduce visibility.
Temperatures: Little change.
Winds: Southeast winds, stronger during midday, weakening and shifting to light southerly breezes in the afternoon.
Forecast temperatures (°C): Puerto del Rosario: 16 – 21
Lanzarote
Mostly clear with high clouds. Calima may significantly reduce visibility.
Winds: Southeast winds, stronger during midday, weakening and shifting to light southerly breezes in the afternoon.
Forecast temperatures (°C): Arrecife: 16 – 21
Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions due to the calima, which may affect visibility and air quality, particularly in the southern regions of the islands.
