Unseasonal Heat and High UV Alert
This week’s weather in the Canary Islands is breaking all the usual autumn patterns. With temperatures above average, largely clear skies, and such intense solar radiation, authorities have issued a high ultraviolet (UV) radiation alert for the entire archipelago. Until Friday, October 24th, all municipalities will remain under a health warning due to radiation levels considered dangerous, particularly during the middle of the day. According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the current UV indexes are even higher than those recorded during some summer months.
Essential Safety Precautions
In response, the General Directorate of Public Health has activated its high-risk UV radiation protocol, urging everyone to take extreme precautions. Key recommendations include avoiding direct sun exposure between 12:00 and 16:00, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing, a hat, and certified sunglasses. It is also crucial to use high-factor sunscreen. Officials remind the public that babies under one year old should not be exposed to the sun under any circumstances, and that maintaining good hydration throughout the day is essential, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
A Weather Pattern More Like August
This out-of-season heat episode is the result of an influx of warm air masses, combined with scant cloud cover and weak trade winds, creating an atmosphere more typical of August than late October. Although AEMET forecasts a slight drop in temperatures starting this Thursday, the heat and high radiation will persist until then. Meteorological models predict cloudy intervals in different parts of the archipelago, especially on the northern slopes of the mountainous islands, where occasional drizzle in the afternoon or night cannot be ruled out.
Don’t Be Fooled by the Clouds
Authorities warn that the presence of clouds does not reduce the solar risk, as ultraviolet radiation can remain very high even with partial cloud cover. On Thursday, skies are expected to clear significantly, increasing the sun’s intensity. It’s a reminder that sun safety is a must, regardless of the cloud cover.
Island-by-Island Forecast
Tenerife: Cloudy intervals in the north, especially the northeast, clearing during the day. In the south, increasing clouds in inland areas after midday. Weak drizzle likely in northern mid-altitude areas towards evening. Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 22 °C / 27 °C
La Gomera: Mostly clear skies, except in the north during the early and late hours. Cloudy intervals in inland areas at midday. Chance of drizzle in the north. San Sebastián de La Gomera: 23 °C / 27 °C
La Palma: Widespread cloudy intervals, denser in the northeast. Afternoon clouds in the interior and probable weak drizzle in northeastern mid-altitude areas. Santa Cruz de La Palma: 20 °C / 26 °C
El Hierro: Cloudy intervals throughout the day, especially in the north and inland areas during the afternoon. Stable temperatures. Valverde: 17 °C / 21 °C
Lanzarote: Denser cloudy intervals during the night, clearing in the south and east slopes throughout the day. Stable temperatures. Moderate northeasterly wind, decreasing to light after sunrise. Arrecife: min. 21 °C / max. 27 °C
Fuerteventura: Nighttime cloudiness, tending towards mostly clear skies during the day in the south and east. Slight drop in maximum temperatures on the western slope. Puerto del Rosario: 21 °C / 26 °C
Gran Canaria: Cloudy skies in the north with clear spells at midday. Elsewhere, mostly clear with intervals in the south. A chance of drizzle in northern mid-altitude areas by the end of the day. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 22 °C / 26 °C
