The State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, issued a special warning on Monday over a new heatwave that is expected to affect the Canary Islands with full force from Wednesday, 29 July. he episode will be caused by the arrival of warm, subsiding air associated with a high-pressure system. This situation will lead to a sharp fall in humidity across the archipelago, together with a significant rise in temperatures and the presence of calima at mid and high altitudes.
According to the forecast, the adverse conditions are expected to last at least until Sunday, 2 August, although Aemet has not ruled out the possibility that the heatwave could continue into the following week.
Temperatures above 38°C
The rise in temperatures will begin to be felt more clearly on Wednesday, especially in the mid-altitude areas of La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. On Gran Canaria, the heat will be particularly intense from the first day of the warning, with temperatures expected to exceed 37°C in valley areas.
From Thursday, 30 July, and throughout the weekend, the heat will intensify and spread quickly towards the eastern islands.
On Gran Canaria, maximum temperatures of between 37°C and 38°C will become widespread in inland and mid-altitude areas. The highest values are expected in valleys and areas less exposed to the cooling effect of the trade winds.
On Fuerteventura, temperatures are also expected to reach between 37°C and 38°C in inland areas from Friday, 31 July. On La Palma and Tenerife, very high temperatures will persist on the southern slopes and in mid-altitude areas, where the heat may be especially noticeable during the central hours of the day.
Calima, sweltering nights and extreme fire risk
The official forecast also warns of the arrival of suspended dust, or calima, across the Canary Islands. This will be favoured by the retreat of the moisture layer and the presence of a hot, dry air mass over the region.
The atmosphere may become increasingly hazy, especially at mid and high altitudes, while the combination of dust, heat and very low humidity will make the weather feel particularly oppressive in many areas.
Night-time temperatures will also remain unusually high, leading to very warm or tropical nights across much of the archipelago. In several areas, the heat will offer little relief after sunset, especially in inland and mid-altitude zones.
Aemet warns that the risk of forest fires will continue to increase during the episode, reaching extreme levels in parts of the islands. The combination of high temperatures, a sharp drop in relative humidity and southerly winds with locally strong gusts will make prevention and fire-fighting conditions significantly more difficult during the second half of the week.
These conditions may complicate any emergency response in the event of a fire, particularly in forested areas, mid-altitude zones and parts of the islands exposed to dry winds.
Authorities call for extreme caution
The authorities are advising the public to take special care during outdoor activities, especially during the hottest hours of the day. People are also urged to avoid behaviour that could increase the risk of fire and to follow official instructions as the weather situation develops.
Extra precautions are recommended for vulnerable groups, including older people, children, people with chronic illnesses and those who work or spend long periods outdoors.
The heatwave is expected to become one of the most significant weather episodes of the week in the Canary Islands, with high temperatures, calima, very low humidity, warm nights and extreme fire risk combining to create a particularly hazardous situation across the archipelago.
