In the coming hours, the Canary Islands will experience a significant rise in temperatures, intensifying the heatwave that has gripped the archipelago since last Wednesday and has led to the activation of multiple weather warnings and alerts.
Gran Canaria is expected to become the hottest spot, with temperatures reaching and potentially exceeding 37 degrees in the midlands, summits, and the southern half of the island. Meanwhile, thermometers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro will not drop below 30 degrees, with maximum temperatures exceeding 34 degrees, particularly in the midlands, high areas, and summits on the eastern, southern, and western slopes.
A major warning has been issued following six heat-related deaths in the Canary Islands in July. In response to this situation, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has activated various warnings across the islands, supplemented by alerts from the Government of the Canary Islands and health risk warnings from the Ministry of Health.
Alerts from the Government of the Canary Islands
Starting at 10:00 am on Saturday, 3 August, Gran Canaria will be under a maximum temperature alert. Meanwhile, the western province, including Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, will be under a pre-alert for the anticipated heatwave.
In addition to the rising temperatures, the islands are facing drought conditions and significant water stress in vegetation. These factors have prompted the continuation of the forest fire risk alert for the entire western province and Gran Canaria, specifically above elevation 600 in the north and above elevation 400 on other slopes.
Additionally, a pre-alert for coastal phenomena remains in effect across the archipelago due to south swells potentially reaching and exceeding 1.5 metres in height on the west and south coasts of the western islands. These conditions could alter currents in bathing areas, posing risks for swimmers.
Weather Agency Warnings
Aemet has maintained a yellow warning for coastal phenomena in the western islands and Gran Canaria until Sunday, 4 August. Northeasterly winds of 50 to 61 kilometres per hour (force 7) are expected in the inter-island channels and along the northwest coast of La Palma and southeast Gran Canaria, with occasional gusts of 62 to 74 km/h (force 8) offshore on the southeast coast of Tenerife and west of Gran Canaria.
There is also a yellow warning for maximum temperatures in Gran Canaria from Friday, which will escalate to orange on Saturday before returning to yellow on Sunday. The extreme heat will predominantly affect the Tejeda basin and midlands facing south and west, with temperatures ranging from 36 to 37 degrees throughout the weekend.
Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro will be under a yellow heat warning on Saturday, 3 August, with expected maximum temperatures of up to 34 degrees.
Health Risks in Municipalities
The Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands Government has issued red and orange health risk warnings for various municipalities in Gran Canaria due to the forecasted high temperatures. The red warning (high risk) will be in effect for Santa Lucía de Tirajana and San Bartolomé de Tirajana from 1 to 6 August. Tejeda and Mogán will be under an orange warning (medium risk) from 2 to 5 August.
Calima
A slight haze (calima) is also expected at higher altitudes, with relative humidity dropping below 30% above 600 to 700 metres. Trade winds will be moderate with occasional strong intervals, and a light easterly wind is forecast for the higher areas and summits.
The combination of extreme heat, potential forest fires, coastal phenomena, and health risks highlights the need for vigilance and precautionary measures across the Canary Islands this weekend.
