Tenerife Weather Warnings: What Irish Travelers Need to Know Right Now
Alright, let’s talk weather. I know, I know—we’re Irish, we get enough of that conversation at home without having to deal with it when we’re trying to escape. But if you’ve got a trip booked to Tenerife in the next few days, or if you have family over there, you’ve probably seen the headlines. The "Tenerife weather warnings" are the talk of the breakfast table this morning.
I was having a cup of tea earlier, scrolling through the morning news—a little habit I’ve picked up to keep the kid informed about what’s going on—and sure enough, the Canaries were the top story. It’s not every day you see a weather warning from the sunny islands pop up in the morning brief, but here we are. The gist of it is that local authorities have had to issue some serious alerts for Tenerife.
What’s the Deal with the Storm?
So, what’s actually going on? We’re not talking about a little breeze here. The warnings are in place because of a powerful Atlantic front that’s decided to pay the islands a visit. They’ve even gone and named it—Storm Therese. I’ve seen a few alerts like this over the years, and while the locals don’t tend to panic (they know the island bounces back fast), it’s worth paying attention to if you’re scheduled to fly out.
The main areas of concern are the usual ones: the north and the west, particularly around the rugged parts like Los Silos, Buenavista del Norte, and even up toward Santa Cruz. We’re looking at heavy downpours in short bursts, and the real kicker—winds that could gust up to 90km/h in exposed areas. If you’re staying in the south, like Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos, you’ll likely still get some wind and clouds, but the worst of it is supposed to hit the mountainous spine and the north coast.
Should You Change Your Plans?
Look, I’ve been going to the Canaries for the better part of twenty years. I’ve seen a "storm warning" turn into a few hours of heavy rain that clears up in time for a late swim, and I’ve seen them cause real disruption. Here’s the reality check for anyone heading off this weekend:
- The Airports: Tenerife South (TFS) and Tenerife North (TFN) are keeping an eye on things. I’d be checking your flight status before you head to Dublin or Cork, but in my experience, these airports are built for this. Delays are possible, but cancellations are rare unless the wind hits from a specific direction that makes landing tricky.
- The Roads: This is where you need to be careful. If you’re renting a car—and who doesn’t, to get up to Teide or those hidden coves?—be extra cautious on the TF-5 and the mountain roads. Flash flooding on the highway happens fast, but it also drains fast. Don’t be the one trying to drive through a flooded underpass.
- The Beaches: The red flags will be up. I know it’s tempting to ignore them for a photo op, but the surf is supposed to be rough. The lifeguards over there don’t mess around. If they’re blowing the whistle, stay out.
I was chatting with a friend who owns a bar in Puerto de la Cruz this morning. He said the mood is fine—a bit nervous because the last time they had a warning this severe, they lost a few awnings and had some beach erosion—but the locals are just battening down the hatches. "It’s not a hurricane," he told me. "It’s just an angry Atlantic storm. We’ll be sipping coffee in the sun by Sunday."
For those of us staying put in Ireland, there’s no direct impact here, of course. But if you have family over there, give them a call. Let them know you saw the headlines this morning and you’re thinking of them. It’s a bit of a strange one—usually we’re the ones sending them sympathy cards for the rain, and now it’s the other way around.
Bottom line? Keep your phone charged, keep an eye on the official weather app rather than just the widget on your phone, and if you’re traveling, pack a light jacket even if you’re heading to the south. This is Tenerife; the weather changes faster than a summer day in Cork. We’ll all be laughing about this when we’re ordering a cold one next week.