The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued a red risk warning for high temperatures due to a heatwave in several municipalities in the south and west of Gran Canaria, as well as an orange warning for Chasna, Arona, and La Orotava. These warnings will be in effect from today until next Thursday, according to the Regional Government’s Health Department.
The main objective of these warnings, part of the Plan of Preventive Actions for the Effects of Excessive Temperatures on Health, is to reduce the potential health impacts associated with high temperatures and ensure coordination among the institutions involved in the Canary Islands.
The Regional Ministry’s warning also activates the emergency health care system in the archipelago, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Aemet. Risk levels are determined using an algorithm that considers forecasted maximum temperatures, threshold temperatures, and other risk factors.
In Tenerife, the orange warning applies to Arona, Granadilla de Abona, La Orotava, San Miguel de Abona, and Vilaflor. In Gran Canaria, the red warning is in place for Agüimes, Mogán, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, and Aldea de San Nicolás. Additionally, an orange warning is issued for Artenara, Ingenio, Santa Brígida, Tejeda, Telde, Valsequillo, and Vega de San Mateo on the island of Gran Canaria from the 27th to the 29th of this month.
On Fuerteventura, there is an orange warning for Pájara on the 27th and 28th of June, while Antigua, Puerto del Rosario, and Tuineje have a yellow warning. Lastly, in Lanzarote, San Bartolomé and Tías are under a yellow warning on the 27th and 28th of June.
The Directorate General for Public Health, responsible for coordinating the Canary Islands Preventive Action Plan on the Effects of Excess Temperatures on Health, has established an epidemiological surveillance system to monitor the impact of high temperatures on the population’s health. This system works in coordination with healthcare and emergency centers in the Canary Islands, and they will be notified of any potential alert situations.
Public Health is actively providing information to the media to disseminate useful advice and practical measures for the public to protect themselves from the effects of high temperatures. It is important to be aware of personal risk factors, such as age and health conditions, and take necessary precautions to stay safe during hot weather conditions.
HEATWAVE IN THE CANARIES: RECOMMENDATIONS
For individuals who are more vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures, it is recommended to seek cool, shaded, or air-conditioned environments for as long as possible and to take necessary measures to cool down when needed. It is important to limit physical activity and avoid engaging in outdoor sports during the hottest hours of the day. Staying hydrated is crucial, so it is advised to drink water or fluids frequently, even if there is no sensation of thirst, regardless of the level of physical activity. It is advisable to avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary beverages, as they can contribute to dehydration.
Extra caution should be taken with babies, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as elderly individuals or those with underlying health conditions that may be exacerbated by heat, such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, mobility impairments, dementia, mental illnesses, and alcohol or other substance abuse.