Holidaymakers planning to travel to the Canary Islands during the February half-term are being advised to prepare for adverse weather conditions, with forecasts indicating a significant deviation from the typical sunny getaways associated with this popular holiday destination.

From Monday to Wednesday, Spain’s national weather service, AEMET, has issued warnings regarding robust gusts of wind and a likelihood of rain showers across the archipelago. According to AEMET, “There will be strong or very strong gusts of wind in the Canary Islands, with showers more likely on Monday and Tuesday in the western islands and warnings for coastal areas on Tuesday and Wednesday.” These predictions suggest that tourists may need to factor in umbrellas alongside their beachwear.

In addition to the alerts for the islands, the atmospheric disturbance is expected to impact mainland Spain as well. Lanzarote has been issued a Status Yellow rainfall alert, with expectations of short but intense showers that could result in up to 15mm of rain within a single hour. Other islands facing similar weather conditions include La Palma, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and El Hierro, which have all been placed under coastal alerts as indicated by updates from Dublin Live.

Weather experts have also expressed concerns regarding hazardous marine conditions, warning of wave heights anticipated to reach four to five metres, alongside offshore winds gusting between 50-61 km/h. Tourists and residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and monitor local weather updates diligently, as these conditions are likely to impede outdoor activities and diminish the usually inviting beach experience in the upcoming days.

The Canary Islands generally enjoy a reputation for their appealing climate, attracting numerous visitors during school holidays. However, this forecast serves as a significant shift from the islands' typical winter weather, compelling both locals and visitors to adjust their plans accordingly in light of the predicted stormy conditions.

Source: Noah Wire Services