The Canary Islands are facing another day of intense heat this Wednesday, 8 July, with weather warnings active across the entire archipelago. According to the State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, all the islands remain under yellow warnings for high temperatures, while Gran Canaria is the only island still under an orange warning due to the possibility of more extreme values.
The forecast points to another difficult day, particularly in inland areas, mid-altitude zones and south-facing slopes, where temperatures will be highest. Aemet also expects light haze at higher altitudes and very warm nights in the areas most affected by the heat.
The most significant temperatures are expected in Gran Canaria, especially in the south-facing mid-altitude areas, where maximum values may reach 37 ºC. In the rest of the inland areas of the archipelago, particularly in south-facing mid-altitude zones, temperatures may climb to around 34 ºC.
Gran Canaria remains the island most affected by the heat
Aemet’s warning map shows active alerts for maximum temperatures across the Canary Islands during the middle hours of the day, when the heat will be most intense. The situation will be especially noticeable away from the coast, in inland areas and mid-altitude regions.
Gran Canaria is expected to record the highest temperatures of the day. The forecast indicates values of up to 37 ºC in the southern midlands, although Aemet does not rule out the possibility of temperatures reaching 40 ºC locally in the most exposed areas.
In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, the heat will be most noticeable in inland and southern areas. In Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, the highest temperatures are expected in highland and mid-altitude areas, particularly on slopes facing south.
Although coastal areas, especially those in the north, will remain somewhat cooler, the heat will still be widespread across the islands. Except along the northern coastlines, temperatures are expected to generally reach or exceed 30 ºC to 33 ºC.
In the interior and south of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as well as in the highlands and mid-altitude areas of the other islands, temperatures may exceed 34 ºC.
Light haze and very warm nights
Aemet also forecasts mostly clear skies across the Canary Islands, accompanied by light haze at higher altitudes. However, intervals of low cloud are expected below 300 to 500 metres in the north of the more mountainous islands and along the western coasts of the eastern islands.
The heat will not be limited to the daytime. In the areas most affected by the episode, minimum temperatures may remain above 25 ºC to 27 ºC, creating very warm nights and limiting the usual night-time cooling.
These high minimum temperatures can increase the feeling of discomfort, make it more difficult to sleep and intensify the impact of the heat on vulnerable people, including older adults, children and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Forecast for the provincial capitals
In the provincial capitals, Aemet forecasts a maximum temperature of 26 ºC in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with a minimum of 23 ºC. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the maximum is expected to rise to 32 ºC, also with a minimum of 23 ºC.
The contrast between coastal capitals and inland or mid-altitude areas will therefore remain marked, with the most intense heat concentrated away from the northern coastlines and in areas more exposed to warm air and stronger solar radiation.
Wind and general conditions
Winds will be light to moderate from the north along coastal areas, although strong gusts may occur at intervals on eastern and western slopes. In the mid-altitude areas, light winds of variable direction will prevail, while a westerly component is expected on the mountain peaks.
Given the high temperatures, the main recommendations remain to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, drink plenty of fluids and take special care of vulnerable people.
Residents and visitors are also advised to follow the instructions of local authorities, particularly in areas affected by heat warnings or restrictions linked to fire risk.
