What Is Happening

The week started cool across the Canaries — below-average temperatures, brisk trade winds, even some rain. From Thursday, the picture flips. An easterly air mass is pushing warm Saharan air over the archipelago. That means:

Temperatures climbing sharply. Coastal areas of Gran Canaria can expect highs of 23 to 26 degrees. On Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, temperatures may rise even higher — Aemet considers it likely that thresholds for official heat warnings will be reached.

Calima from Friday. The Saharan dust will reach the eastern islands first (Lanzarote, Fuerteventura), then spread to Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Visibility drops, the air turns dry and dusty. Anyone with respiratory problems should limit time outdoors.

The weekend will be hot and hazy. Saturday and Sunday will be the most intense days. From Monday, the trade winds should return and gradually clear the Calima.

Island by Island

Lanzarote and Fuerteventura: Hardest hit. Aemet warns that heat warnings are likely. The combination of high temperatures and dust can be particularly uncomfortable.

Gran Canaria: Calima lingers at summit level until midday; on the coast, wind shifts from east to northeast. Highs of 22–26 degrees along the south coast.

Tenerife: Mostly clear with cloud intervals. Watch for strong gusts in the north and southeast. Santa Cruz: 16–22 degrees.

La Gomera and El Hierro: Temperatures rising in mid-altitude zones. El Hierro will be the last island to see the dust clear.

What You Should Do

Respiratory issues: Reduce time outdoors, keep windows closed during peak Calima hours.

Sun protection: UV radiation is already at high levels — Aemet has declared high UV risk for five Canary Islands. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.

Stay hydrated: When temperatures swing quickly from cool to hot, many people underestimate their fluid needs.

Drivers: Calima reduces visibility, especially on mountain roads. Dust on the windscreen smears when wiped — carry enough washer fluid.

The trade winds should return from Monday and disperse the Calima. Until then: patience and water.