The highly anticipated 50th edition of the Rally Islas Canarias 2026 will face a contrasting climate scenario, with variable weather playing a crucial role in the competition's outcome. Initial instability, with the threat of light rainfall, will give way to a sunnier weekend with rising temperatures, forcing teams to adopt precise strategies for tire selection and terrain adaptation.
The start of the rally, scheduled for Thursday, could be marked by meteorological uncertainty. According to the latest reports from Aemet, the arrival of a low cloud front from the north increases the probability of light rain during the first stages. With ambient humidity exceeding 70%, the Siete Palmas area, where the Estadio de Gran Canaria super special stage is located, could experience weak precipitation, complicating tire grip and visibility for both fans and drivers.
For Friday, the forecast for sections such as Agüimes, Tejeda, and Santa Lucía indicates a significant presence of the phenomenon known as "panza de burro" (donkey's belly cloud), which could lead to dense fog banks in the summit areas. Extreme caution is advised for access routes and fan zones due to the low visibility drivers might encounter at the island's highest points. Despite temperatures barely reaching 12 °C in the mid-altitude areas during midday, sun protection will be essential due to the high radiation index in mountain areas.
Saturday will bring a respite, with clear skies and rising temperatures, reaching highs of 22 °C. The northeast wind will blow with moderate gusts, lightly cooling the air, but the sun will be the main protagonist. The thermal sensation will be high in the mid-altitude areas, so good hydration and sun protection are recommended.
Sunday, the closing day, will offer unbeatable conditions. Stability will dominate throughout the morning, with practically clear skies in the southeast of the island and constant temperatures ranging between 19 °C and 21 °C. The wind will lose intensity, increasing the sensation of heat in coastal areas. The trophy ceremony is expected to take place in a purely spring-like atmosphere, bringing a perfect end to a rally that will have overcome the rain and fog of the initial days.
