The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has officially ended the alert for risk of forest fires in the archipelago as of 10:00pm tonight (Tuesday). The alert had been in place for El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and areas in Gran Canaria above 600 metres in the north and 400 metres in the south.
However, despite this, El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria remain in a state of pre-alert. This is in accordance with the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Plan for Forest Fires (INFOCA).
The Ministry of Health for the Canary Islands has issued health risk warnings due to the forecast of high temperatures in the next few days across Gran Canaria. Affected areas include southern, eastern, and western municipalities of the island, where temperatures are expected to reach 35°C, and the central peaks, where temperatures will be around 34°C.
Red Alert: From July 18th to 20th in Santa Lucía de Tirajana and San Bartolomé de Tirajana.
Orange Alert: From July 18th to 20th in Tejeda.
Yellow Alert: From July 18th to 20th in Mogán, Valsequillo, and Vega de San Mateo.
These risk levels are determined using an algorithm that considers the forecasted maximum temperatures, threshold temperatures, and risk factors across the 13 “meteosalud” zones established in the Canary Islands for temperature monitoring.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) brings some good news, forecasting that the Canary Islands will avoid the third heatwave of the summer. Nevertheless, temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C over the next few days, emphasising the need for continued vigilance and adherence to health advice.
Residents and visitors in the affected areas should take necessary precautions to protect their health during the upcoming period of high temperatures. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
