The Canary Islands remain under heightened alert as five islands continue to face pre-alert conditions, and several municipalities are issued health risk warnings due to rising temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
Following a review of the conditions, the Directorate General for Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has officially lifted the alert for the risk of forest fires across the archipelago as of 10:00 PM this Tuesday. This initial alert impacted El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, and Tenerife, as well as areas above 600 metres in northern Gran Canaria and above 400 metres in southern Gran Canaria.
Despite the cessation of the forest fire alert, a pre-alert status persists on El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, in line with the protocols of the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Plan for Forest Fires (Infoca).
Amid these precautionary measures, the Ministry of Health has issued warnings for health risks owing to anticipated high temperatures in various parts of Gran Canaria in the next few days. Affected areas include several municipalities across the south, east, and the summit areas of the island. Specific warnings are issued as follows:
- Red warning in Santa Lucía de Tirajana and San Bartolomé de Tirajana from July 18 to 20.
- Orange warning in Tejeda from July 18 to 20.
- Yellow warning in Mogán, Valsequillo, and Vega de San Mateo from July 18 to 20.
These warnings are based on an algorithm that incorporates maximum forecast temperatures, threshold temperatures, and risk factors identified across 13 distinct “meteosalud” zones designated within the Canary Islands for temperature monitoring. This structured approach ensures that residents and visitors alike are well-informed and can take necessary precautions during the heatwave.
