The Canary Islands are experiencing one of the most intense days of the current heatwave, with high temperatures, calima, strong winds and adverse coastal conditions affecting much of the archipelago. The combination of these factors has led to several alerts and pre-alerts across the islands, as authorities urge the public to take precautions.
The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Directorate-General for Emergencies, has activated a heatwave alert for Gran Canaria, where temperatures may approach 40°C in some areas this Tuesday. The rest of the archipelago remains on pre-alert for high temperatures, while the forest fire risk alert is in force on five islands due to very dry conditions and relative humidity levels below 30%.
According to the State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, Gran Canaria is under an orange warning, which indicates significant risk, between 11:00 and 19:59 on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. This will be the island most severely affected by the heat.
The highest temperatures are expected in the inland areas facing south and west, as well as along the south-eastern coastline and in the Tejeda basin. In these areas, maximum temperatures are forecast to range between 37°C and 40°C.
The night will also offer little relief. Aemet expects minimum temperatures in the most affected areas to remain very high, barely dropping below 25°C or 27°C, which will make the heat particularly uncomfortable and increase the risk for vulnerable people.
Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro under yellow warning
While Gran Canaria faces the highest level of heat warning in the archipelago, several other islands are also affected. Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are under a yellow warning, which indicates low risk but still requires caution, especially for sensitive groups and people carrying out outdoor activities.
In Tenerife, temperatures may reach 35°C in eastern, southern, western and inland areas. Aemet also notes that the south-eastern coast and the metropolitan area could be affected by the rise in temperatures.
In La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma, particularly in western inland areas, maximum temperatures are expected to reach around 34°C.
Forest fire risk alert activated on five islands
The weather conditions have also forced the activation of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands’ Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Forest Fires, known as INFOCA.
The forest fire risk alert is currently in force in El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The authorities have introduced restrictions and special surveillance measures in the areas considered most vulnerable.
These measures apply above 600 metres on northern slopes and above 400 metres in southern areas. The aim is to reduce the risk of fire in zones where heat, wind and dry vegetation could create dangerous conditions.
The situation is worsened by a low temperature inversion, located between 300 and 500 metres. This meteorological phenomenon traps warm and dry air in the mid-altitude areas and on the peaks, preventing humidity from recovering and causing relative humidity to fall below 30%.
This low humidity, combined with high temperatures and strong winds, creates a particularly dangerous environment for the spread of forest fires.
Calima will be more noticeable in mid- and high-altitude areas
Another important factor in this weather episode is the presence of calima, or airborne dust. The haze is expected to affect mainly mid-altitude and high-altitude areas, with greater intensity on the south-facing slopes of the islands.
The suspended dust may reduce visibility and worsen the feeling of heat, especially in areas already affected by very high temperatures. It may also cause discomfort for people with respiratory conditions, who are advised to avoid prolonged exposure outdoors when the haze is dense.
Strong wind gusts and rough seas
The north-easterly wind will also play a major role throughout the day. Aemet has issued yellow wind warnings in Lanzarote, La Gomera and Gran Canaria, where maximum gusts of around 70 km/h are expected.
However, official forecasts indicate that wind gusts could locally reach 90 km/h in several exposed areas. These include low-lying zones on the south-eastern and western slopes of the highest islands, as well as the pass and north-western tip of La Palma, the north-western tip of Tenerife and the south of Fuerteventura.
These gusts may make driving more difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles, and could increase the danger in forested or exposed areas.
At sea, the Directorate-General for Emergencies is maintaining the pre-alert for coastal phenomena. North-easterly winds of 50 to 61 km/h, equivalent to force 7, are expected, along with a northern swell of between one and two metres.
Exposed coastlines may experience areas of rough or heavy seas, and maritime conditions could become dangerous, particularly for small boats and coastal activities. High tides this Tuesday are expected at 02:23 and 14:35, with a tidal coefficient of 69 to 70.
Temperatures expected to ease from Wednesday
According to the Canary Islands Government, this episode of intense heat is expected to be short-lived. Forecasts indicate that temperatures should begin to fall gradually from Wednesday, 1 July.
The forest fire risk is also expected to improve significantly from Thursday, 2 July, provided that temperatures drop, humidity recovers and wind conditions become less severe.
Until then, authorities are calling for maximum caution. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid unnecessary physical activity during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of water, stay in cool or shaded places, take special care of elderly people and children, and avoid any activity that could spark a fire in forested or dry areas.
