2024 WAS A WARM YEAR

2024 was a warm year, a year in which records soared to unprecedented height record on Tenerife and the other the Canary Islands.

The effects of climate change are becoming more pronounced, and 2024 was a troubling example for the Canary Islands. The year was marked by extreme temperatures and alarmingly low rainfall levels, both indicators of the shifting climate balance.

The Warmest Year in Decades

For those who have been visiting or living on the islands for 20 years or more, the change in Tenerife’s climate is undeniable. The weather today is no longer the same as it was two decades ago. In the past, the weather was more consistent, with little to no rain from April to November—an established pattern that is now a thing of the past.

With high average temperatures and several broken heat records, 2024 became the second warmest year in 63 years. At the same time, the average rainfall dropped to half of the usual levels, exacerbating drought conditions. These developments highlight the urgent need for action to mitigate the impact of climate change and protect fragile ecosystems.

Warm and Dry Conditions

According to historical data from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología, Aemet), 2024 was the second warmest year on record for the Canary Islands. It was not only exceptionally warm but also notably dry. The archipelago’s average temperature last year was 19.6°C, a deviation of 1.2°C above the long-term average, earning 2024 the designation of an extremely warm year.

Extreme Heat

Throughout the year, there were several periods when average temperatures significantly exceeded normal levels, particularly in January, February, and April.

Two temperature records were broken:

• January 16: A maximum temperature of 31.7°C was recorded at La Oliva-Carretera del Cotillo.
• November 8: La Aldea de San Nicolás reached 37.1°C, setting a record for that month.
• The highest temperature of the year was recorded on July 19 in Tasarte, where the mercury climbed to 42.8°C.

When analyzed by month, only March, June, and October were classified as having normal temperatures. January, February, April, and November were categorized as extremely warm.

Extreme Drought

2024 was also on the brink of being classified as an extremely dry year. The average rainfall was only 138.8 millimeters, half the expected amount. Only the northwest of La Palma experienced average rainfall levels. In Puntagorda, 82.4 liters of rainfall were recorded on December 23.

• January and April were very dry.
• February, November, and December were dry.
• July was very wet, while March, May, and June were classified as wet.

Aemet’s Findings

These figures underscore the exceptional weather conditions that the Canary Islands experienced in 2024, with significant temperature increases and a worrying decline in rainfall. This data was provided by the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología, Aemet).

Reality Confronts All

Even those who deny climate change cannot escape the reality of these findings. Observations and measurements ultimately confront everyone, regardless of their beliefs.

Unknown © Photography
2024 was a warm year ©