Temperatures of up to 34 degrees at the end of March, calima… The weather forecast models confirm a thermal anomaly, with unusual heat in the Canary Islands for this time of year due to the action of a warm air mass. Health yesterday issued a warning to the population due to the arrival of African dust, so, at least for a few days, it will be necessary to deal with the high temperatures.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a high temperature warning for today in the south of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, where temperatures will reach 34 degrees, but on the south-facing slopes of the rest of the islands, mid-range temperatures of between 30 and 32 degrees are forecast. The Aemet has also activated two more warnings for the day: one for very strong gusts of wind on the peaks and southern, eastern and western slopes of La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro and Gran Canaria, and another for haze throughout the archipelago.
On Friday, dust in suspension will be widespread and will especially affect the midlands and high areas, although it will begin to subside in the afternoon in the eastern islands. Thermometers could drop a few degrees, but will not drop below 30 degrees in the midlands. The heat will be intense, especially in Gran Canaria, where highs of 34 degrees are expected. The wind will be from the northeast, moderate to strong.
HOW LONG WILL IT BE HOT IN THE CANARY ISLANDS?
Temperatures will start to drop slightly from next Saturday and until then clear skies will prevail. Another factor to bear in mind for the rest of the week is the wind, which will be blowing strongly, especially in the midlands and on the peaks of the higher islands.
On Saturday the heat will be somewhat less intense, as the thermometers are expected to drop by between three and four degrees. Thus, it will be close to 30 in the midlands of the south and west of Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Some cloudy intervals will appear in the skies and the haze will lose strength in the western islands at the end of the day. What will not let up is the intensity of the wind, which will increase in the evening with very strong gusts in high areas. On Sunday the atmosphere will cool down somewhat and spring will return to its friendlier side.
HEALTH WARNS OF THE ARRIVAL OF HAZE IN THE CANARY ISLANDS
The Regional Ministry of Health, in view of the forecast arrival of haze in the Canary Islands, recommends that the population take precautions such as avoiding prolonged exposure to the outside air, keeping windows closed and not exerting themselves outdoors.
Remember that airborne dust contributes to drying out the respiratory tract and, on many occasions, can cause an aggravation of conditions or symptoms related to respiratory diseases, such as asthma, people with chronic obstructive disease (COPD) that lead to an increase in visits to emergency services and hospital admissions in some cases.
Exposure to this pollutant can cause chest discomfort, coughing, palpitations, fatigue or increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, at least for five days after the onset of the episode.
It therefore recommends the following measures for people sensitive to this type of episode, such as children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases:
-Do not go outside and keep doors and windows of houses closed.
-Clean dusty surfaces with damp cloths.
-Stay in humid environments and stay hydrated.
-Do not exercise outdoors.
-In case of worsening respiratory symptoms call 1-1-2.
