For the first time in history, the Government of the Canary Islands has declared a maximum alert for high temperatures across the entire archipelago. The alert, which came into effect at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, will remain in place in the coming days, requiring extreme vigilance, particularly to prevent forest fires. A maximum alert is also in force for wildfire risk.
The heatwave, already well established over the islands and forecast to intensify over the weekend, has prompted the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) to issue red warnings for extreme heat on Saturday in Gran Canaria. From Sunday, Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura will also be under red alert. Temperatures of 40 °C are expected, with some areas likely to exceed this threshold, marking the longest heatwave since 2023. Temperatures are forecast to ease from Tuesday.
Record-Breaking Temperatures
On Friday, the municipality of La Aldea de San Nicolás in Gran Canaria registered 40.7 °C, the highest temperature in the archipelago. On Tenerife, Llano de Los Loros in the municipality of La Laguna reached 38.8 °C.
This unprecedented decision was taken during a meeting of the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Forest Fires in the Canary Islands (INFOCA), with the aim of safeguarding both the population and the islands’ natural heritage.
Coordinated Emergency Response
According to Marcos Lorenzo, Deputy Minister for Emergencies and Water of the Canary Islands Government, the meeting brought together all island councils, local emergency representatives, and 112 emergency services. He urged extreme caution to avoid fire outbreaks, confirming that more than 2,000 personnel are deployed for prevention and firefighting, supported by over 200 vehicles and 19 aircraft.
All island councils have activated their island emergency plans, and municipal councils have followed suit with their local emergency protocols. These plans impose strict restrictions, suspend all outdoor activities, and issue public health recommendations—particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
Public Health Advice
Authorities recommend:
- Avoiding physical exertion during midday hours
- Staying in cool, shaded locations
- Drinking plenty of water
- Wearing sun protection outdoors
- Eating light, frequent meals
- Avoiding alcohol
Additional Restrictions in Tenerife
The Cabildo de Tenerife has activated Level 3 measures, prohibiting:
- Entry into mountain areas and off-road travel on foot or by vehicle
- Recreational motor vehicle use on forest tracks
- Outdoor fires, fireworks, and spark-producing tools or machinery
- Forestry work
- Hunting activities
Camping areas and campsites have been closed, as have the Chipeque and Chimague viewpoints.
Road Closures for Perseid Meteor Shower Nights
The heatwave coincides with the Perseid meteor shower on Monday and Tuesday next week. Authorities have decided to close access roads to forest areas to minimise the risk of wildfires. Increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic during the event could hinder both evacuation procedures and firefighting efforts.
The following roads will be closed from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on 11, 12, and 13 August:
- TF-24 (La Esperanza): closed at kilometre 9 (from the centre of La Esperanza) and at kilometre 23.5 (Arafo junction)
- TF-21 (La Orotava): closed at kilometre 16.5 (Caldera de Aguamansa, north side) and at kilometre 66.8 (Vilaflor, south side)
- TF-38 (Guía de Isora): closed at kilometre 12.5 (Subida de Chío)
Authorities urge all residents and visitors to remain informed through official channels, comply with restrictions, and follow all safety guidelines to protect lives, property, and the environment during this exceptional heatwave.
