Storm Regina Impacts the Canary Islands

This week, the Canary Islands experienced significant adverse weather as Storm Regina, named by the Portuguese weather service, swept through the archipelago. The storm brought strong gusts reaching up to 64 mph, particularly affecting Lanzarote. Wave heights were reported between 5 to 6 meters, with some waves exceeding 6 meters along the northern coasts. In response to these dangerous conditions, the region was placed under a yellow warning for rough seas. Additionally, snowfall impacted elevations above 1,500 meters in Tenerife, leading to the closure of multiple mountain roads.

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While the Canary Islands faced Storm Regina, the winter of 2025-26 has been characterized by stark contrasts across the United States. The eastern regions were engulfed by Arctic air, resulting in record snowfall and sub-zero temperatures in several states, including Rhode Island, which recorded nearly 38 inches (96 cm) of snow in just 48 hours during a recent blizzard. Conversely, the western states, such as Texas, Arizona, and California, experienced a surge of warm air from Mexico, with temperatures reaching 41°C (106°F) in Falcon, Texas. This warmth has contributed to the winter being the second warmest on record when averaged nationwide. Furthermore, southern states like Florida faced severe drought conditions as they entered spring.

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Looking ahead, meteorologists are forecasting the development of an El Niño event later this year. El Niño occurs when equatorial Pacific waters become warmer than normal, influencing weather patterns globally. This phenomenon typically amplifies Florida's rainy season by increasing tropical moisture and storm activity in the eastern Pacific Ocean, potentially alleviating some of the drought conditions currently affecting the region.

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The Portuguese weather service has issued warnings regarding the impact of Storm Regina, emphasizing the need for caution among residents and visitors in the affected areas. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to respond to any emergencies arising from the storm's effects.

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Some environmental experts have raised concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of storms like Regina, attributing these changes to broader climate change trends. Critics argue that more proactive measures are needed to address the underlying causes of such extreme weather events.

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While the impacts of Storm Regina have been widely reported, there are discrepancies regarding the exact wave heights and wind speeds recorded across different islands. Additionally, the long-term effects of the current winter conditions on local ecosystems and economies remain unclear.

The Guardian