Snow and ice

People associate the Canary Islands with sunshine for good reason. But the Canary Islands at beach level is one thing, and the Canary Islands at 8,000 ft (2,400 m) is another. In the middle of winter, Mt Teide often has snow, and the top of La Palma can have snow and ice too.

January 1, 2014
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Rainbows

We’ve had unusually wet weather for the last few days. There’s nothing odd about the odd winter storm, although I swear they’re windier than they used to be. What is unusual is having two of them almost back to back. So I’m sorry if you’re having a soggy holiday. The rain tends to blow in and out pretty quickly, so I suggest that you at least enjoy the rainbows.

December 11, 2013
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Wild Skies

Today’s still windy, but the rain’s stopped, and I think every photographer on the island’s been out, taking advantage of the wild skies. The huge swirl of clouds is caused by colliding masses of air, which is what’s causing all the wind. It’s very gusty, and it’s actually rather useful to be a hefty person for once. I’d have felt very unsafe on top of walls if I’d been petite….

November 3, 2012
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Rainy day in San José

Welcome to the Canary Islands, where the sun always shines! Today is a public holiday.  All Saints Day is traditionally when people remember their departed loved ones and decorate their graves, but I don’t think many people will be doing that today. The wind has largely stopped, but the rain is still pouring down.

November 1, 2012
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A storm

Well obviously it’s nothing like Sandy, but we’ve got bad weather here, with strong winds, gusting to 120 km/h on the peaks and intermittent buckets of rain. The schools are closed, the road tot eh observatory is most emphatically closed, most optional activities are cancelled and parts of the island are without power. The sea is wild, with huge walls of spray chasing catspaws. One good thing – the rain…

October 30, 2012
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