The Canary Islands are currently under a yellow weather alert, as heavy showers hit the region this week, according to Spain's national meteorological agency, Aemet. The alert spans across several islands—including Tenerife, El Hierro, Gran Canaria, La Gomera, and La Palma—beginning on Monday, March 3.
Aemet warned of "locally heavy showers" particularly expected in the mountainous areas of these islands. Particularly, light to moderate rain is anticipated for Lanzarote and Fuerteventura later on Monday afternoon. Forecasts indicate the possibility of thunderstorms and light hail around the western islands, with snow even expected atop the peaks of Tenerife at elevations between 2,200 meters and 2,400 meters.
The weather conditions have been severe, with the Canary Islands receiving heavy rainfall throughout the weekend. The regional government responded by issuing a 'state of pre-alert' on Saturday, March 1, which officially came effective at 3 AM local time on March 3. This warning highlighted the potential for "intense storms" during the day, particularly between noon and 6 PM on Monday, affecting the western islands and Gran Canaria. Occasional thunderstorms and light hail were also noted as possibilities.
By Tuesday, the forecast hints at continued rain as Fuerteventura and Lanzarote will enter yellow alert status as well, with previous warnings lifted for some regions of Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Aemet predicts, "Heavy showers are likely on the mountainous islands, primarily affecting the north and northwest slopes, with light to moderate rainfall possibly occurring during the afternoon on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura."
The Canary Islands' General Directorate of Emergencies extended the pre-alert for rain to cover the entire archipelago as of 1:30 PM on March 3. Areas such as Arucas, Teror, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Brígida, Valsequillo, and Telde have been placed under more stringent weather alerts. This decision stems from data obtained from Aemet and additional meteorological sources, adhering to the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
Those forecasts anticipate localized heavy rain particularly peaking on La Palma and the highlands of Tenerife. Amidst this, variability is expected with weather predictions for Tuesday showcasing more precipitation, primarily manifested as showers. The rain is expected to manifest as light to moderate, with sporadic heavy downpours expected through the central part of the day on the larger islands.
Rain totals are expected to be most significant across north and eastern regions of La Palma, southeastern Tenerife, and northeastern Gran Canaria, with these conditions likely persisting until nightfall, accompanied by possible isolated thunderstorms. Meanwhile, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura will have overcast conditions with light to moderate rain.
Compounding these weather issues, the islands' infrastructure has also felt the effects, with the GC-130 road on Gran Canaria currently experiencing ice formation, prompting the winter maintenance services to mobilize.
Reported by various officials, the forthcoming weather outlook suggests continued lousy weather across the archipelago. The clouds are set to persist with reports of light to moderate rain likely with chances of increased intensity during the early morning on March 5, especially on the mountainous terrains of the islands.
Despite the anticipated improvement by mid-week when alerts may cease altogether, residents and visitors have been advised to remain vigilant and prepared for changing conditions, particularly with the risk of severe weather still looming heavily over the islands.