Urgent warning for Brits heading to Canary Islands

British holidaymakers planning trips to the Canary Islands from today onwards are being urged to stay alert as Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, issues fresh warnings for powerful winds and a noticeable dip in temperatures across the popular holiday destination.

This comes as Spain is going through a record-breaking heatwave and a new wave of illegal holiday homes being removed from the country's most famous beaches takes place, after local outrage against overtourism.

From Thursday, generally sunny skies will continue across the islands, but a light calima (haze) could persist over Gran Canaria and the eastern islands, potentially affecting air quality.

Northerly to north-easterly winds are forecast to strengthen as the week progresses, with very strong gusts expected in certain areas - conditions that could pose a risk for outdoor activities and disrupt travel plans.

The strongest gusts are likely to hit low-lying areas on the southeast and northwest slopes of Tenerife, as well as the more mountainous islands. Winds are also expected to intensify towards the evening each day, bringing potential hazards for beachgoers, hikers and drivers.

In Lanzarote, powerful gusts could affect the southeast during early mornings and evenings, while Fuerteventura’s southern Jandía massif is forecast to see similar conditions. Tourists visiting these areas are advised to take extra care, especially around coastal zones and exposed routes.

Gran Canaria will see temperatures falling slightly from Thursday onwards, with highs still climbing to 30–32°C in some sheltered southern spots but feeling cooler elsewhere.

Strong winds are expected to build throughout the day, particularly affecting the southeast and western lowlands.

Tenerife could see a moderate drop in temperatures, especially at mid-altitudes, with locally very strong gusts around the Anaga massif and far northwest of the island.

At sea, conditions will become more challenging as northerly winds strengthen to force 4 or 5, locally reaching 6 or 7, with moderate to rough seas expected.

On southern coasts, lighter but variable breezes will continue, while a northwesterly swell of up to 2 metres could lead to reduced visibility and tricky navigation for boaters.

AEMET has reissued its yellow warning for parts of the archipelago and recommends tourists check forecasts regularly, stay hydrated, and take extra caution if exploring more exposed parts of the islands from Thursday onwards.