The Canary Islands Government has issued a pre-alert for high maximum temperatures in Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria from 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, 22 September. The measure comes as a new heat episode begins to affect the archipelago, with temperatures expected to rise further from Wednesday. In some parts of the eastern islands, thermometers could reach up to 38°C.
The Directorate-General for Emergencies adopted the measure based on information from the State Meteorological Agency Aemet and other available sources, within the framework of the Canary Islands’ Specific Emergency Plan for Risks from Adverse Meteorological Phenomena, known as PEFMA.
The models analysed point to the arrival of a warm air mass of African origin. The episode is expected to begin this Tuesday in the eastern islands and gradually extend to the rest of the archipelago from Wednesday.
Gran Canaria will see the highest temperatures this Tuesday
The first effects of the heat episode will be felt this Tuesday, with Gran Canaria expected to record the highest temperatures. Emergency services forecast maximum temperatures of around 34°C on the island. However, local readings may reach 36°C, particularly in the southern midlands and in low-lying areas of the south-east.
In Fuerteventura, maximum temperatures of around 32°C are expected, with spot readings of up to 34°C, mainly in inland and south-eastern areas. In Lanzarote, the forecast points to maximum temperatures of around 30°C, although local values may reach 32°C.
The episode will also be accompanied by light calima, especially over the eastern islands, and by dry conditions in mid-altitude and high-altitude areas.
Heat to intensify from Wednesday
The weather situation is expected to worsen from Wednesday, 23 September. In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, maximum temperatures of around 36°C are forecast. However, thermometers may locally climb to 38°C, particularly in inland and southern areas.
In Gran Canaria, maximum temperatures are expected to be around 34°C, with local readings of up to 36°C on the southern and western slopes. The Tejeda basin and the Agaete Valley are also expected to remain very hot, with temperatures likely to reach around 34°C.
The rise in temperatures will not only affect daytime highs. Minimum temperatures will also remain elevated, making the nights especially uncomfortable in some areas.
In Gran Canaria, night-time temperatures may locally remain between 26°C and 28°C. In Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, minimum temperatures could stay close to 24°C to 26°C.
Western islands to see a sharper rise on Thursday
The hot weather is expected to continue on Thursday, with a more marked rise in temperatures in Tenerife and the western islands. This means that the heat episode, which initially affects the eastern islands more strongly, could spread and intensify across a wider part of the archipelago as the week progresses.
The Canary Islands Government will continue monitoring the situation in case the alert level needs to be modified or extended in line with new forecasts. Authorities are also watching the possible combined effect of heat, haze, low humidity and high night-time temperatures, which can increase health risks, especially for vulnerable people.
Recommendations during high temperatures
Emergency services have issued several recommendations for periods of high temperatures. They advise avoiding direct exposure to the sun, especially during the central hours of the day, and reducing physical activity when temperatures are at their highest.
Residents and visitors are also advised to drink water frequently, wear light clothing and remain in cool or air-conditioned places whenever possible. The authorities recommend paying particular attention to elderly people, ill people and those who live alone, as they are more vulnerable during heat episodes.
The Government also reminds the public that children and elderly people must never be left inside locked vehicles, even for short periods. The new declaration comes after the previous pre-alert for high maximum temperatures in the Canary Islands was lifted on 16 September, according to the official Emergencies log.
