The Canary Islands will face a particularly hot and dry day this Tuesday, 8 September 2026, with a marked rise in temperatures, the presence of calima and an active forest fire alert across several islands.
According to the State Meteorological Agency Aemet, skies will be partly cloudy, with low cloud affecting northern areas of the archipelago. Conditions may become more variable in inland areas during the middle of the day.
The most significant feature of the forecast will be the rise in temperatures, especially in high and mid-altitude areas. The increase will be particularly notable in the province of Las Palmas, where some areas may approach 40°C.
In the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island of Tenerife is expected to reach maximum temperatures of around 32°C, while El Hierro will record some of the lowest minimum values, with 16°C forecast.
A moderate trade wind will blow across the province, with occasionally very strong gusts in the south-east, north-west, mid-altitude zones and mountain peaks. These winds are expected to ease towards the end of the day.
Gran Canaria to see the highest temperatures
Gran Canaria is expected to be one of the areas most affected by the heat. On the island, maximum temperatures will range between 32°C and 34°C in the northern mid-altitude areas. In the Tejeda basin, values may rise to around 36°C.
The highest temperatures are expected on the western, southern and eastern slopes, where thermometers could reach 38°C. In some areas, temperatures may come close to 40°C.Night-time conditions will also remain uncomfortable, as minimum temperatures in the most affected areas are expected to barely fall below 26°C to 28°C.
On Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, skies will be mainly clear, although airborne dust will be present, contributing to hazier conditions.
Government raises forest fire alert
In response to the intensification of the heatwave and the sharp drop in relative humidity, the Directorate-General for Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has raised the forest fire alert from 10:00 a.m. this Tuesday.
The alert affects Tenerife, El Hierro, La Gomera and La Palma. In Gran Canaria, it applies to north-facing slopes above 600 metres and to west-, south- and east-facing slopes from 400 metres above sea level.
The authorities warn that the combination of high temperatures, relative humidity below 30%, wind speeds exceeding 30 kilometres per hour in some areas and limited night-time cooling can increase the availability of dry vegetation. These conditions make it easier for a fire to start and increase the risk of rapid spread if one breaks out.
Heat across the western islands
The heat will also affect the western islands. On La Palma, temperatures of up to 35°C are forecast in the Caldera de Taburiente, while values of around 34°C are expected on the Nueva and Vieja peaks. On La Gomera, temperatures in the southern mid-altitude areas could reach 37°C.
On El Hierro, maximum temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C in the summit areas and in southern parts of the island. The combination of heat, low humidity and wind has led the authorities to reinforce prevention measures and urge the public to exercise extreme caution, especially in woodland and mid-altitude areas.
Level 1 restrictions across Tenerife
As a result of the regional warning, the Cabildo of Tenerife will activate Level 1 preventive measures for forest fire risk across the whole island. The resolution prohibits activities that may generate flames, sparks, heat or electrical discharges in areas at risk of forest fires.
The restrictions include a ban on burning agricultural or forestry waste, lighting fires outdoors, using fireworks, smoking in woodland areas and operating machinery or tools that could generate sparks.
This includes equipment such as welding tools, brush cutters and other machinery that may pose a fire risk under the current conditions.
Natural areas remain open
For now, Level 1 restrictions do not involve the general closure of natural areas in Tenerife. Walking on footpaths remains permitted, as does driving on forest tracks, using public recreational areas and accessing viewpoints.
However, the authorities are urging residents and visitors to take extreme precautions and avoid any behaviour that could cause a fire. The Directorate-General for Emergencies reminds the public that anyone who sees signs of a fire should call 112 immediately and provide the most accurate location possible.
Overall, Tuesday will bring a high-risk weather situation to several parts of the Canary Islands, combining intense heat, calima, very low humidity, wind and fire-risk restrictions, with Gran Canaria expected to face the most extreme temperatures.
