Over the past few nights, the Canary Islands have been grappling with exceptionally high temperatures, marking some areas as the hottest spots in Spain. Specifically, in the early hours of the morning, the municipality of Agüimes on Gran Canaria recorded a staggering 29.4 degrees Celsius at 1:00 AM, becoming one of the most intensely hot locations across the nation. This intense heat wave did not spare other areas either; San Bartolomé de Tirajana, also on Gran Canaria, saw temperatures peak at 27.8 degrees at around 00:50 AM, with similar levels recorded in Güímar on Tenerife.
Record-Breaking Nighttime Temperatures
The archipelago has seen consistently high nighttime temperatures during this period, making it difficult for residents and visitors alike to find relief after sundown. Additional readings include Pájara on Fuerteventura, where the thermometer hit 27.6 degrees just after midnight, and the Doramas Forest Centre on Teide, which registered 27.3 degrees. These temperatures are notably higher than typical for the region, underscoring the unusual intensity of this heatwave.
Impact of Strong Winds
In conjunction with the soaring temperatures, the Canary Islands also experienced robust wind gusts that reached hazardous speeds. For instance, La Aldea de San Nicolás in Gran Canaria recorded wind gusts as high as 90 km/h at around 06:40 AM. Similarly, Arure on La Gomera witnessed gusts of 78 km/h during the early hours, which compounded the already challenging conditions posed by the heat.
These gusty conditions not only exacerbate the discomfort caused by the heat but also elevate the risk of wildfires, which are a significant concern during such dry and windy weather. The combination of high temperatures and strong winds is particularly problematic, as it can rapidly spread any fires that do ignite, posing a severe risk to both natural landscapes and populated areas.
Continued Weather Warnings and Outlook
Given the ongoing high temperatures and strong winds, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) continues to issue yellow warnings across the islands. The forecast suggests no immediate relief, with similarly high temperatures expected to persist in the coming days. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions, particularly during the peak heat hours and when engaging in outdoor activities. The authorities remain on high alert, monitoring both the weather conditions and the landscape’s vulnerability to fire, ready to respond as needed to protect the community and the environment from the harsh effects of this unusual weather pattern.
