British holidaymakers heading to the Canary Islands are being warned to brace for severe weather as the region issues multiple alerts, including a “pre-emergency” declaration.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued yellow warnings across the archipelago, with Tenerife and Gran Canaria expected to be the hardest hit. The advisory, issued today, warns of 40mph (65km/h) winds and waves reaching up to 6ft (2 metres), particularly along coastal areas.
AEMET’s alert, in effect from 6pm today until midnight, specifically names the southeast coast of Tenerife and the southeast and western areas of Gran Canaria as zones facing “force seven” gales. Several other islands—including El Hierro, La Gomera, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and La Palma—are also affected.
The Canary Islands government has also declared a “pre-alert” for winds on all islands, effective from 4pm on Saturday 19 April. The move follows the guidance of AEMET and is part of the Canary Islands’ Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
Affected Areas Include:
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Tenerife: Buenavista del Norte, San Miguel, Granadilla, Arico, Fasnia, Güímar
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Gran Canaria: Cumbres, Gáldar, Agaete, Artenara, La Aldea, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Agüimes, Ingenio, and Telde
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La Palma: Garafía, El Paso, Fuencaliente, and Mazo
Tourists Advised to Stay Cautious
The stormy spell marks another round of challenging weather for the Canary Islands, following a red alert earlier this month that forced school closures and led to warnings for tourists to secure their properties.
El Duque beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, and Puerto Rico village on Gran Canaria—both popular among British tourists—are among the areas under watch.
Travellers planning to visit the region in the coming days are being urged to monitor updates, follow local advice, and avoid exposed coastal areas where possible.
While airports and transport links remain operational, the conditions may impact some flights and ferry crossings.
For updates, British travellers can check the UK Foreign Office travel advice or follow AEMET for live weather alerts.
