The Directorate General of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service (SCS), in coordination with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), has issued official health warnings in response to a severe heat episode expected to affect parts of the Canary Islands in the coming days.
According to forecasts, this heatwave is expected to begin on Wednesday, 6 August, and could last at least until Monday, 11 August.
Alerts and Risk Levels by Area
The episode will affect Gran Canaria most significantly, with alerts classified according to the level of risk:
- Red Alert (High Risk)
- Mountainous interior: municipalities of Tejeda and Vega de San Mateo.
- Orange Alert (Medium Risk)
- Eastern, western, and southern areas of the island:
Agüimes, Artenara, Ingenio, Mogán, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, La Aldea de San Nicolás, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Telde, and Valsequillo.
- Eastern, western, and southern areas of the island:
In particular, Santa Lucía de Tirajana could experience temperatures reaching 42°C, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, especially in vulnerable populations.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The health authorities have issued specific recommendations for the following vulnerable groups:
- Infants and children under 4 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Elderly people over 65
- Individuals with chronic health conditions: heart, respiratory, or kidney disease, diabetes, or hypertension
- People on medications such as diuretics, laxatives, neuroleptics, anticholinergics, or benzodiazepines
- Those with cognitive impairments or living alone
- Homeless individuals
- People under the influence of alcohol or other substances
- Outdoor workers, athletes, and tourists exposed to the sun
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Be alert to common symptoms of heat-related stress:
- Intense thirst
- Dizziness, fatigue, nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Elevated body temperature or fever
- Palpitations
In severe cases, the heat can lead to:
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness or coma
Health Recommendations from the SCS
To reduce the risk of heat-related complications, the Canary Islands Health Service recommends the following:
- Stay hydrated: Drink water frequently, even without feeling thirsty. Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, energy drinks, and caffeine.
- Eat light: Choose fresh fruits, vegetables, and salads. Avoid heavy or greasy meals.
- Protect at-risk individuals: Offer special care to babies, the elderly, and those with health problems.
- Avoid the midday sun: Reschedule physical activities and outdoor work to early morning or late evening.
- Cool your environment: Use fans or air conditioning, take cool showers, and limit the use of heat-generating appliances indoors.
- Seek medical help if any heat-related symptoms occur. For emergencies, call 112 immediately.
