Canary Islands weather - Yellow warning for wind and waves

Canary Islands Weather: Strong Trade Winds to Persist Through the Weekend

A period of windy weather is expected across the Canary Islands this weekend as strong northeast trade winds continue to affect the archipelago. According to the latest forecast model data, the strongest gusts are expected on the western islands, with locally storm-force winds possible on La Gomera.

Friday: Wind Strengthening Across the Islands

On Friday, June 5, winds will increase significantly, especially in the usual acceleration zones between the islands and along exposed coastal and mountainous areas.

Forecast maximum wind gusts include:

San Sebastián de La Gomera: up to 85 km/h
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: up to 64 km/h
Santa Cruz de La Palma: up to 60 km/h
Valverde (El Hierro): up to 60 km/h
Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura): up to 60 km/h
Arrecife (Lanzarote): up to 56 km/h
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: up to 46 km/h
Maspalomas: only 14 km/h

The strongest winds are expected on the windward and channeling zones of the western islands, where the trade wind flow is typically enhanced by the local topography.

Saturday: Peak of the Wind Event

Saturday, June 6, is forecast to be the windiest day of the weekend, with the strongest gusts affecting several islands.

Expected peak gusts:

San Sebastián de La Gomera: up to 88 km/h
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: up to 66 km/h
Arrecife: up to 62 km/h
Puerto del Rosario: up to 60 km/h
Santa Cruz de La Palma: up to 60 km/h
Valverde: up to 60 km/h
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: up to 46 km/h
Maspalomas: up to 19 km/h

La Gomera is expected to experience the most severe conditions, with wind gusts approaching storm-force intensity. Even stronger gusts are possible in exposed mountainous areas and along cliff-lined coastlines.

Sunday: Gradual Improvement

By Sunday, June 7, winds are forecast to ease slightly across much of the archipelago, although breezy conditions will continue.

Forecast maximum gusts:

San Sebastián de La Gomera: up to 77 km/h
Santa Cruz de La Palma: up to 61 km/h
Valverde: up to 60 km/h
Santa Cruz de Tenerife: up to 59 km/h
Puerto del Rosario: up to 56 km/h
Arrecife: up to 55 km/h
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: up to 41 km/h
Maspalomas: up to 15 km/h

While conditions will become somewhat less intense, the northeast trade winds will remain noticeable, particularly across the western islands.

Significant Local Differences

One of the most striking aspects of this forecast is the large variation in wind speeds across relatively short distances. While San Sebastián de La Gomera may experience gusts close to 90 km/h, southern parts of Gran Canaria such as Maspalomas are expected to remain comparatively sheltered.

This contrast is a typical feature of the Canary Islands, where complex terrain and mountain ranges can dramatically accelerate or reduce wind speeds depending on location.

Outlook

The first weekend of June is expected to bring a classic but locally strong trade-wind pattern to the Canary Islands. The highest wind gusts are forecast for La Gomera, particularly on Saturday, while Tenerife, La Palma, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and El Hierro will also experience periods of strong winds.

Residents and visitors planning outdoor activities, hiking trips, ferry crossings or water sports should keep an eye on local weather updates and exercise caution in exposed areas.

The strongest gust currently forecast is 88 km/h in San Sebastián de La Gomera on Saturday, indicating potentially hazardous wind conditions in exposed locations.