Yellow Heat Warning Remains in Place Today but Temperatures Begin to Ease
After several unusually hot days across the Canary Islands, Lanzarote's mini-heatwave is beginning to ease, but temperatures remain high enough for a yellow heat warning to remain in place today, Wednesday 16 September.
Official AEMET observations show that Lanzarote Airport reached 37°C on Tuesday afternoon, considerably higher than the temperatures recorded earlier in the month.
For anyone currently on the island, however, this isn't quite the end of the summer heat just yet.
YELLOW HEAT WARNING REMAINS IN PLACE
AEMET has a heat warning covering Lanzarote today from 10am until 8pm, with the highest temperatures expected during the central part of the day.
The Canary Islands Government has also moved the wider situation from an alert to pre-alert for high temperatures, reflecting the expected gradual improvement. However, temperatures can still reach around 34°C locally in the hottest parts of Lanzarote.
So while conditions are improving, Lanzarote is still going to feel very hot today.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TOURISTS IN LANZAROTE?
If you're on holiday in Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Arrecife or elsewhere on Lanzarote, today should still feel very much like summer.
AEMET's beach forecast for Los Pocillos is particularly useful for visitors staying around Puerto del Carmen. It forecasts clear skies, moderate winds and a maximum of around 33°C today, with the sea around 25°C and a maximum UV index of 9.
At nearby Guacimeta, AEMET also forecasts around 33°C, clear skies and sea temperatures of approximately 25°C.
That means the beach is certainly still an option – but this isn't a day to underestimate the strength of the Lanzarote sunshine.
TAKE CARE DURING THE HOTTEST HOURS
The easiest mistake visitors can make in Lanzarote is assuming that a breeze means it isn't particularly hot.
During a Lanzarote heatwave, the combination of strong sunshine, high temperatures and outdoor activities can quickly lead to dehydration or overheating.
If you're heading out today:
· Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
· Use high-factor sunscreen and reapply it regularly.
· Take breaks from direct sunshine.
· Consider avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the afternoon.
· Wear a hat and lightweight clothing.
· Never leave children or pets inside a parked car.
· Remember that you can still burn even when there is a breeze.
WHEN WILL LANZAROTE COOL DOWN?
The good news is that the forecast points towards a fairly quick return towards more typical Lanzarote temperatures.
AEMET's forecast for the beaches around Tías has temperatures falling to approximately 29°C on Thursday, compared with around 33°C today.
At El Reducto in Arrecife, AEMET similarly forecasts a fall from around 32°C today to approximately 29°C on Thursday.
In other words, the mini-heatwave appears to be losing its grip.
WHAT ABOUT THE CALIMA?
The hot spell has also been accompanied by calima, with Saharan dust affecting parts of the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands Government says the dust is expected to continue lightly in some areas but should gradually diminish as the weather situation improves.
For visitors, this can mean hazier skies, reduced visibility and that familiar dusty feel on cars, balconies and outdoor furniture.
SEPTEMBER IS STILL SUMMER IN LANZAROTE
It's worth remembering that September is traditionally one of the warmest times of year in Lanzarote. So although temperatures approaching the mid-30s can feel exceptional, warm weather itself isn't unusual at this time of year.
What has made this particular spell noteworthy is the combination of several very warm days and temperatures substantially above those experienced during the preceding week.
The weather station at Lanzarote Airport recorded:
· 37°C on 15 September
· 34.3°C on 14 September
· 31.4°C on 13 September
· Around 30°C on 10–12 September
THE BOTTOM LINE FOR VISITORS AND RESIDENTS
The Lanzarote mini-heatwave isn't quite over today, but there are clear signs that the most intense part of the episode has passed.
Tuesday's 37°C at Lanzarote Airport was a reminder that September sunshine on the island can be considerably stronger than visitors might expect. Today will still be hot, but temperatures are forecast to ease further, with Thursday looking considerably more comfortable.
So if you're currently enjoying a holiday in Lanzarote, there's no need to panic about the weather – just treat today's heat with a little respect, keep hydrated, find some shade when needed and enjoy the sunshine sensibly.
And for anyone arriving in Lanzarote this week: don't pack the jumpers just yet. Summer definitely isn't finished!
