A Historic Atlantic Storm
The Canary Islands are bracing for one of the most powerful weather events in recent years. Storm Therese, an isolated cold-core low-pressure system forming over the Atlantic west of the Iberian Peninsula, took shape on Tuesday and will begin impacting the entire archipelago from Wednesday morning, 18 March 2026. It is the 19th named storm of the 2025–2026 season – an all-time record since the naming system was introduced in the 2017–2018 season.
What to Expect in Gran Canaria's South
According to AEMET, Spain's state weather agency, Gran Canaria enters wind alert status from 6:00 AM on Wednesday. Westerly gusts will initially reach 70 km/h, potentially climbing to 90 km/h on Thursday at summit level and exposed coastal stretches. The Canary Islands government has activated alert status for coastal phenomena across the archipelago, wind alert for the western islands and Gran Canaria, and pre-alert for rain, thunderstorms and flooding on all islands.
The south and southwest of Gran Canaria – the tourist heartland of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés and Meloneras – sits squarely in the zone AEMET identifies as highest risk for heavy rainfall and coastal hazards. Seas will bring waves of 4 to 5 metres, threatening beachfront promenades, coastal roads and bathing zones.
Maspalomas Carnival Hangs in the Balance
The storm strikes as the Maspalomas International Carnival 2026 enters its climactic days. Running 10–22 March under the theme "The World of the Circus", two flagship events now face uncertainty: the Drag Queen Gala on Thursday evening (19 March, 9:00 PM at the Yumbo Centre) and the Gran Cabalgata parade on Saturday 21 March at 5:00 PM – the absolute highlight with up to 110 floats.
Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez has confirmed the San Bartolomé de Tirajana council is monitoring conditions and will make decisions on a rolling 24-hour basis. A definitive call on the parade is not expected before Thursday. The mayor has also denied a viral WhatsApp message claiming the parade had already been cancelled – the message is false.
Impact on Daily Life
The effects extend beyond carnival. The Canary Islands education ministry is assessing on Wednesday whether schools need to close. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has activated its municipal emergency plan PEMULPA. Flash flooding in barrancos (dry ravines) is a real risk – authorities strongly advise staying away from these areas during heavy rain.
For holidaymakers in southern Gran Canaria, the advice is clear: avoid beaches when red flags are flying and seas are rough. Promenades can be inundated by wave surges, especially two to three hours either side of high tide. Do not park rental cars in ravines or low-lying areas.
Forecast: Unstable Through at Least Sunday
AEMET's special advisory makes clear that Therese is expected to remain quasi-stationary northwest of the Canaries, feeding instability through at least Sunday 22 March. Cumulative rainfall over the entire episode could exceed 200 litres per square metre. Snow is also possible on Tenerife's Mount Teide above 1,600 metres.
For Gran Canaria, the heavy rain may have a silver lining: the island's southwest suffers from a water deficit, and the expected precipitation could replenish reservoirs – provided it falls gradually rather than destructively.
Safety Advice for Tourists and Residents
The Directorate General for Emergencies recommends: follow official channels from AEMET and 112 Canarias. Avoid mountain drives and barranco crossings. Stay away from the coast when heavy seas are running. Secure balcony items against wind. And take warnings seriously – the 2025–2026 season has already shown forecasts can escalate rapidly.
CITA News is tracking Storm Therese and will update as soon as decisions on Maspalomas Carnival events are announced. Current information is available at aemet.es and via @112canarias.