The Directorate General of Civil Protection and Emergencies, under the Ministry of the Interior, and based on forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), has issued alerts regarding the risk of forest fires and soaring temperatures expected to affect a large portion of the country in the coming days.
The most severely impacted areas will be the southern half and the northeastern quadrant of the Peninsula. Starting from Thursday, these regions are predicted to see temperatures consistently above 38ºC, with peaks of 40-42ºC in the valleys of Guadiana, Tagus, and Ebro, and even reaching 42-44ºC in the Guadalquivir valley.
Heatwave effects on the Canary Islands
In the Canary Islands, the situation will be exacerbated by a Saharan air mass influencing the archipelago from Thursday, causing a significant temperature increase. The hottest day is expected to be Friday, with inland and southern midland areas potentially experiencing temperatures up to 34ºC. In Gran Canaria, the mercury could soar to 37ºC.
Although a slight decrease in temperatures is anticipated by Saturday, they will remain high, with a more substantial drop expected by Sunday, bringing temperatures back to more typical seasonal averages.
Furthermore, this hot air mass will bring suspended dust, known locally as ‘calima,’ particularly affecting the eastern islands on Thursday and Friday.
Alerts and Warnings
In response to these conditions, Aemet has issued a yellow warning for extreme temperatures across all islands for Friday, 19 July, starting at 11:00 am. The Directorate General for Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has also maintained a pre-alert for forest fires in El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, as part of the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Care due to Forest Fires (Infoca).
Additionally, the Ministry of Health has issued health risk alerts due to the high temperatures forecasted, especially in Gran Canaria, affecting several municipalities in the south, east, and central areas, with temperatures expected to reach 34ºC and 33ºC in the summit areas. Specific warnings include a red warning for Santa Lucía de Tirajana and San Bartolomé de Tirajana from 18 to 20 July, an orange warning for Tejeda during the same period, and a yellow warning for Mogán, Valsequillo, and Vega de San Mateo.
This comprehensive response underscores the seriousness of the heatwave and the broad measures being taken to mitigate its effects on the population and environment of the Canary Islands.
