The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has expanded its weather warnings for heat and high temperatures this morning (Friday), in the Canary Islands.
They now include southern Tenerife and La Gomera in addition to Fuerteventura (yellow alert) and Gran Canaria, which remains under a more serious orange alert.
According to AEMET, the increase in temperature is caused by the arrival of a Saharan air mass, which will raise daytime highs, particularly in inland and southern areas. However, this weather pattern does not currently meet the criteria for a full heatwave, as originally thought, as it is not expected to be widespread or long-lasting.
The weather warnings are in place as follows:
GRAN CANARIA:
· Active orange alert.
· Most affected areas: southern slopes and midlands.
· Temperatures: up to 36°C in Santa Lucía de Tirajana and 34°C in Tejeda.
FUERTEVENTURA:
· Yellow alert
· Inland heat: 32°C in Antigua, 30°C in Pájara
TENERIFE AND LA GOMERA:
· Newly activated yellow weather warning
· High temperatures are expected in southern areas
Although Lanzarote is not currently under alert, the presence of calima (Saharan dust) is possible in the eastern islands. AEMET notes, however, that dust concentrations near ground level are likely to remain low.
Nationwide Context:
The Canary Islands warning coincides with a special alert for mainland Spain, where temperatures are forecast to remain unusually high until at least Tuesday, 1st July.
AEMET continues to monitor the situation in real time using advanced meteorological models. Residents and tourists are encouraged to check localised alerts via the AEMET website or mobile app, particularly when planning outdoor activities.
