Rare April snowfall blankets Mount Teide as Storm Olivier impacts Canary Islands
Storm Olivier brought a rare April snowfall to Mount Teide, the highest peak in Tenerife and all of Spain, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The event was driven by a sharp drop in temperatures at higher elevations, allowing snow to accumulate on the summit. Wind gusts associated with the storm exceeded 90 km/h (56 mph), creating hazardous conditions across Teide National Park, while intense rainfall at lower elevations forced the closure of multiple recreational areas and trails.
El Teide covered in snow on April 10, 2025. Image credit: @lauramarsh70
Storm Olivier brought rare April snowfall to Mount Teide, Tenerife’s highest peak at 3 718 m (12 198 feet), yesterday, following a significant temperature drop at higher elevations that allowed substantial snow accumulation.
According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), wind gusts exceeding 90 km/h (56 mph) affected Teide National Park, creating hazardous conditions, while heavy rainfall at lower elevations led to localized flooding and transport disruptions.
The Tenerife Island Emergency Plan (PEIN) was activated on April 10, with Amber warnings issued for rain and Yellow alerts for wind and thunderstorms. Authorities closed recreational areas, campsites, and several trails in the park, including trails numbered 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 23, and 28. Canyoning activities were also suspended due to increased flood risk and hazardous terrain.
Heavy rainfall amounts, forecast at 15–30 mm (0.6–1.2 inches) per hour and 40–80 mm (1.6–3.1 inches) over 12 hours, raised concerns about flooding in lower areas.
Many residents and tourists were caught off guard by the snow and advised to avoid travel unless necessary, particularly in areas at risk of flooding.
Teide National Park, a major tourist destination, usually experiences mild weather in April with no snow at all, making this week’s phenomenon uncommon.
References:
1 Storm Olivier coats Mount Teide in snow creating a Winter Wonderland in Tenerife – Canarian Weekly – April 10, 2025
2 Tenerife closes tourist spots as Storm Olivier batters Canary Islands – Manchester Evening News – April 9, 2025
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
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