Heat and Calima Return to Lanzarote as Temperatures Rise This Week
After a noticeably fresher weekend in parts of the Canary Islands, summer-like conditions are returning. The latest forecast points to a fresh rise in temperatures across Lanzarote and the eastern islands, accompanied by Saharan dust in the atmosphere.
For anyone checking the Lanzarote weather before heading to the beach, planning a day out or simply wondering why the sky looks hazier, the change is worth knowing about. The State Meteorological Agency, AEMET, is forecasting calima at altitude over Lanzarote today, with temperatures reaching around 32°C in the interior and southern parts of the island.
That does not mean every part of Lanzarote will reach 32°C. The island's volcanic landscape and local wind patterns create noticeable differences between the north, coast and warmer inland and southern areas. Arrecife is forecast to range from around 22°C to 32°C today.
What is happening with the Lanzarote weather?
The change is linked to the arrival of a warmer air mass from Africa. AEMET's forecast for Monday 21 September describes a rise in maximum temperatures, particularly over inland and southern areas of Lanzarote, together with calima in higher levels of the atmosphere.
Today should also see periods of medium and high cloud. Along some northern and eastern coastal areas, there may be more cloud during the early hours. Winds are expected to be light to moderate from the northeast, becoming stronger during the afternoon.
For visitors, this means the weather may feel quite different depending on where you are on the island. A beach in a sheltered southern location can feel considerably warmer than an exposed area in the north, while the northeast trade wind can still provide some relief along the coast.
Temperatures could climb further
The warm-up is not expected to stop on Monday. Forecast information indicates a further increase during the middle of the week, with Lanzarote potentially reaching around 34°C in some inland, southern and western locations on Wednesday 23 September.
Current information also indicates that AEMET has issued a yellow warning for high temperatures for Lanzarote and La Graciosa from 11:00 until 18:59 on Wednesday. Forecast values are around 34°C, with locally higher temperatures possible in parts of the south.
Thursday is also expected to remain hot, with maximum temperatures around 34°C possible before conditions begin to ease later in the week. Forecasts can change, so anyone planning outdoor activities should check the latest official information rather than relying on a forecast published several days earlier.
What does the return of calima mean for Lanzarote?
Calima is the name commonly used in the Canary Islands for airborne dust, usually originating from the Sahara. When Saharan dust moves over the islands, the sky can take on a pale, milky or yellowish appearance and distant mountains can become much harder to see.
Not every episode of calima has the same effect at ground level. In the current forecast, AEMET is describing dust mainly at altitude over the eastern islands. That can produce hazier skies without necessarily meaning that the concentration of dust at street level will be especially high.
Conditions can change as the dust moves and settles, however. People who are sensitive to airborne particles may prefer to reduce strenuous outdoor activity if the air becomes noticeably dusty, and it is sensible to keep an eye on official weather and air-quality information.
Advice for tourists visiting Lanzarote
If you are visiting Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise or another Lanzarote resort this week, the warmer weather is good news for anyone hoping for beach time, but the strongest heat deserves a little preparation.
Drink plenty of water, use high-factor sun protection and take breaks from direct sunshine during the hottest part of the day. Remember that a breeze can make high temperatures feel more comfortable than they really are, so do not use the wind alone as a guide to how much sun exposure you are getting.
For sightseeing, an early start can be a sensible option on the hottest days. If you are planning walks around volcanic landscapes, there may be very little natural shade, making water, sunscreen and suitable clothing particularly important.
