Heavy Rains Transform Volcanic Canary Islands with Widespread Greening

The typically arid, volcanic terrain of Lanzarote has recently undergone a significant ecological shift, adopting an intense emerald green hue across its surface. This widespread vegetative resurgence is the direct result of an exceptionally high volume of precipitation recorded across the Canary Islands archipelago during the latter part of the 2025 and the beginning of the 2026 winter season.

Satellite imagery captured by Copernicus, the European Union's Earth Observation program, confirmed the broad greening across both Lanzarote and Fuerteventura following what meteorological assessments described as record rainfall events that peaked in late January 2026. Experts attribute this persistent, moisture-laden atmospheric pattern to an unusually undulating polar jet stream. This configuration directed frequent and potent Atlantic storm systems toward the region by slowing down and disrupting its typical straight path, allowing for the formation of weather blocking patterns that channeled a sustained influx of moisture.

The intensity of the rainfall during this period contrasts sharply with historical data for Lanzarote, which generally receives rain on only about 16 days annually, with total precipitation often falling below 150 millimeters. For comparison, the 53.7 millimeters recorded in December 2025 alone nearly matched the total rainfall for the entirety of 2024, which was 56.4 millimeters. Furthermore, January 2026 was reported as Spain's wettest January in 25 years, contributing to flooding across the Iberian Peninsula.

The ecological benefits of this deluge are notable, particularly for Lanzarote's unique agricultural systems that rely on ash-mulch farming, known locally as enarenado, to conserve humidity. This deep soaking ensures a substantial supply of free water, which is often correlated with high grape harvests, a vital component of the island's wine industry. The transformation from the islands' usual dull coloring to vibrant green may also enhance tourism, as wet years often result in significant wildflower displays.

This atmospheric setup was part of a broader trend across Europe, which experienced wetter-than-average conditions in January 2026. While the core of the jet stream remained north of the Canary Islands, its indirect effects channeled storm systems toward the region, contrasting with earlier forecasts from December 2025 that suggested more stable conditions. Historically, intense perturbation events have affected the islands, but the current saturation of volcanic soils raises questions about long-term impacts, despite the moisture-conserving properties of the 'rofe' layer.