The Canary Islands are set to experience a significant spike in temperatures over the weekend, intensifying the heatwave that has been affecting the archipelago since Wednesday. The Spanish Met Office (AEMET) has issued warnings, while the Canary Islands Government has declared alerts for various hazards associated with the extreme heat.
Gran Canaria will be the hardest hit, with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 37°C in inland and high-altitude areas, particularly in the southern half of the island. Elsewhere, Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro will see temperatures rise above 30°C, with highs surpassing 34°C in midland and high-altitude regions on the eastern, southern, and western slopes.
From 10:00am today, Saturday, Gran Canaria will be on high alert for maximum temperatures, while Tenerife and the western islands (La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro) remain on pre-alert.
The combination of soaring temperatures, ongoing drought, and significant water stress in vegetation has prompted continued alerts for wildfire risks across Tenerife, the western islands, and Gran Canaria. A specific concern is in areas above 600 metres in the northern part of Gran Canaria and above 400 metres in other regions.
Additionally, a pre-alert for coastal phenomena is in place across the archipelago due to a southern swell, which may result in waves exceeding 1.5 metres on the western and southern coasts of the western islands, which could affect bathing conditions and the colour of warning flags displayed on beaches
In response to the forecast, AEMET has maintained a yellow warning for coastal phenomena in the western islands and Gran Canaria through Sunday. Northeast winds of 50 to 61 kilometres per hour (Force 7) are expected between islands and along the northwest coast of La Palma and the southeast coast of Gran Canaria. Occasionally, these winds could reach 62 to 74 km/h (Force 8) offshore on the southeast coast of Tenerife and the west coast of Gran Canaria.
AEMET has also issued a yellow warning for high temperatures in Gran Canaria yesterday (Friday), which has been increased to orange today. The extreme heat will predominantly affect the Tejeda basin and midland areas facing south and west, with maximum temperatures ranging between 36-37°C throughout the weekend.
Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro will also be under a yellow warning for high temperatures today, with expected highs reaching 34°C.
The Ministry of Health has issued red and orange health risk warnings for various municipalities in Gran Canaria due to the anticipated high temperatures. A red warning (high risk) will be in effect until August 6th for Santa Lucía de Tirajana and San Bartolomé de Tirajana, while Tejeda and Mogán will be under an orange warning (medium risk) until August 5th.
A light calima (dust haze) is forecast at higher altitudes, with relative humidity dropping below 30% above 600-700 metres. The region will also experience moderate trade winds with occasional strong local gusts, and light eastward winds in highlands and summits.
In light of these extreme conditions, the Ministry of Health continues to urge residents and visitors to stay protected, hydrated, and cool, and to be vigilant in caring for vulnerable individuals. The public is advised to avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or highly sugary drinks, as these can cause dehydration.
Special attention should be given to infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions that could worsen in the heat, such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, mobility impairments, dementia, and substance addiction.
