Canary Islands weather alert – What Therese means this week for tourists and expats

Residents and visitors in the Canary Islands should exercise extreme caution when Storm Therese hits today, Wednesday 18th March 2026. The regional government activated an high-level wind alert Gran Canaria, as well as a coastal hazards warning for the entire archipelago. Westerly gusts are expected to reach an incredible 90 km/h. The 2026 spring season will be marked by a dramatic “Atlantic Surge” which is causing travel disruptions and 4-meter waves.

What is happening on Canary Islands

Tenerife and La Palma are included, as is El Hierro. Also, parts of Gran Canaria will be affected by the alert as conditions in the Atlantic are expected to intensify. Authorities warn that wind gusts can reach 70-80 km/h on exposed areas. This is especially true for mountain slopes, coastal zones and those facing the prevailing winds. 

This increases the risk of falling debris and dangerous sea conditions, as well as disruptions in transport. The Canary Islands Government confirmed the situation, activating the alert based on AEMET forecasts.

What it means for travellers 

The alert does not require cancellation of trips for tourists or residents in the Canary Islands. However, it does require some adjustments. Wind is the main weather factor on the island. Strong gusts of wind can disrupt flights, ferry routes, and outdoor activities even when temperatures are mild.

Travelers can expect delays in flights, especially if landing at airports that are more exposed like Tenerife North. The schedule or cancellation of inter-island ferry services can also occur, especially when the wind is at its peak.

The beach can become dangerous due to the strong currents and waves, and access to elevated areas for hiking and viewing may be restricted. Readers living on the island may find that their daily routines, such as driving and working outdoors, are affected by stronger gusts.

Plan your trip for these weather conditions

Authorities urge travellers to keep up-to-date with the latest weather information and local safety advice. It is best to avoid coastal areas that are exposed during strong winds, and pay close attention when local authorities issue beach flags or warnings. The weather can be unpredictable in high areas. This makes planned excursions even more risky. Travellers between islands are advised to check the transport updates before they travel, as delays can occur without warning during weather alerts.

Weather shifts across Spain

The Canary Islands alert is part of the wider weather change across Spain in this week. According to AEMET the country is going through a period in which it is unstable. Strong winds, rain, and even some snowfall are expected over higher areas of the mainland. The calmer conditions earlier this year are in stark contrast to these current conditions. As the Atlantic systems pass over the peninsula and islands, they have caused a change.

Common questions travellers are asking

You can still climb Mount Teide.
It is possible that access to Mount Teide will be restricted when there are strong wind warnings. This may affect the cable car routes and the summit route. It is important to check the latest updates before you plan a trip. Operators will often suspend service when wind gusts are unsafe. Even if access to higher altitudes is still open, the conditions are often harsher. Check the website Get daily updates.

The wind will continue to blow until a certain date.

Wind is expected remain the most disruptive factor in the coming days. This will be especially true for coastal and elevated areas on Tenerife La Palma, and Gran Canaria. According to AEMET these Atlantic systems should move through fairly quickly, although conditions may vary day to day instead of clearing immediately.

Travellers will be dealing with ongoing uncertainty, not a one-day event. Flights and ferry services could still be affected by minor disruptions. Meanwhile, outdoor activities might remain restricted depending on local conditions. Spain Weather has the most recent updates for all of Spain.