Some Flights Diverted in Tenerife Due to Strong Winds
On Wednesday, the Canary Islands faced significant disruptions as strong winds swept across the region, leading to the diversion of several flights in Tenerife. With gusts reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h, the weather conditions prompted yellow weather warnings from Aemet, Spain’s national weather agency.
Weather Warnings and Conditions
The yellow alerts were issued for all the islands in the archipelago except Fuerteventura. Specifically, La Palma, El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote were all under warning, with gusts forecasted to reach 70 km/h, and localized winds potentially exceeding 80 km/h. Coastal alerts were also in effect for the southern coastlines of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, where force 7 winds were expected.
The windy conditions are not just a one-off event; they are anticipated to persist over the coming days. While the warnings will remain in place for most islands, Lanzarote has seen its alerts lifted. As the weekend approaches, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria will still be under wind alerts, although no coastal warnings are currently in effect.
Impact on Flights
The adverse weather conditions had a direct impact on air travel, particularly at Tenerife North Airport. Several flights were diverted to Tenerife South Airport, affecting both domestic and inter-island services. Flights arriving from major cities such as Seville and Madrid, as well as from other islands like Lanzarote, La Palma, and Gran Canaria, were among those impacted.
While operations at the airport appear to have returned to normal, travelers are advised to keep a close eye on the status of their flights, as weather conditions can change rapidly.
Temperature and General Weather Forecast
Despite the strong winds, temperatures in the Canary Islands are expected to remain warm, with highs in the mid to late 20s. Aemet’s forecast for the day indicated cloudy conditions in the northern parts of the islands, with a chance of drizzle, particularly in the mountainous regions during the early morning and at dusk. Elsewhere, skies are expected to be partly cloudy or clear.
The agency noted that while minimum temperatures would remain stable, maximum temperatures would see little change in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, with a slight to moderate rise in the other islands. Northeasterly winds are expected to be moderate to strong, with very strong gusts likely on the peaks and slopes of the mountainous islands.
Safety Precautions and Travel Tips
Travelers in the Canary Islands should exercise caution during this period of inclement weather. It’s advisable to stay updated on weather forecasts and flight statuses, especially if you have plans to travel by air. Monitoring local news and airline announcements can provide timely information on any potential disruptions.
Conclusion
The strong winds affecting the Canary Islands serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather, especially in coastal regions. While the situation is being managed, travelers should remain vigilant and prepared for any changes that may arise in the coming days.
