Storm ‘Ana‘ hit Spain on Sunday leading to alerts for heavy wind and rain across the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with winds predicted to reach up to 140 kilometres an hour, strong seas and abundant rainfall are expected, in some areas, to deposit up to 100 litres per square metre, according to Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET. Though the storm did not directly affect the Canary Islands over the weekend the cold front being pushed away from it did and, the tail end of storm Ana, is expected to reach the Islands over the next 24-48 hours.

Nearly fifty provinces across Spain remain on alert for wind, waves and snow. Meanwhile here on the islands a yellow advisory has been issued due to strong gusts of cold wind expected from the west and then the north from today. Rain is also expected to hit the north of the island, with a strong possibility of showers even in the south today and tomorrow (Tuesday).

AEMET has warned the weather conditions are caused by a deep storm, with a “very active” front that will bring “strong” winds from the west that may exceed 90-100 kilometres per hour in many places, some places in the north of Spain may even experience 130-140 kilometres per hour in mountainous areas.  Here on Gran Canaria the west winds will turn to blow cold air down from the north Atlantic for the next few days

Rainfall could be quite strong or persistent though is expected to be weaker in the Canary Islands than elsewhere. Snowfall is expected in the north of Spain above 600 meters, though nothing of that nature yet expected this far south, though several flights have been disrupted as snow hits the UK, Holland, Germany and Austria.

There could well be some rough seas ahead this week, as temperatures decline slightly to between 13º or 14º C at night and 20º-21ºC day time.

According to AEMETs Yellow Advisory, rains and the wind will start to affect the archipelago from aroun 5:00 pm on Monday, December 11 and will have mostly passed by midday on Tuesday, though more lighter rain is predicted for later in the week.

In addition, Aemet forecasts strong gusts of cold wind especially to north of the islands. Gusts will be especially intense in high and mid-altitude areas, particularly on the east and west sides of the island.

The rainy season continues to make itself felt throughout this week, though more occasionally after Tuesday.