The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has declared a pre-alert situation for wind across the entire archipelago starting at 3:00 PM tomorrow, Sunday, August 2. Maximum gusts of 80 kilometres per hour are expected, especially on the southeast and west slopes.
The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has activated the wind pre-alert situation across the entire archipelago, a measure that will come into effect at 3:00 PM tomorrow, Sunday, August 2. The decision has been made based on data provided by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and other sources, in accordance with the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
According to the official notice, the maximum expected gusts will reach 80 kilometres per hour, with particular impact on the southeast and west slopes of the islands, from the coasts to the midlands. The phenomenon will affect all the islands, although with nuances depending on the area.
In Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, moderate northeast winds are expected, with strong intervals in the interior and south of the islands, where very strong gusts are not ruled out from the afternoon onwards. In Gran Canaria, the wind will be moderate from the northeast, with strong intervals and very strong gusts on the southeast and west slopes, also from the afternoon. In the peaks, the wind will blow from the east with moderate intensity.
In Tenerife, the situation will be similar: moderate northeast wind that will intensify during the second half of the day in the extreme west and the southeast coast, without ruling out some very strong gusts late in the day. In the peaks, the wind will be light to moderate from the east.
In La Gomera, moderate northeast winds are expected, with strong intervals and very strong gusts from the afternoon on the southeast and west slopes. In El Hierro and La Palma, the wind will be moderate from the northeast, with strong intervals during the second half of the day in low areas of the southeast and extreme west, without ruling out very strong gusts at the end of the day.
The declaration of pre-alert implies that the population must take extreme precautions, especially in the most exposed areas. The General Directorate of Emergencies recommends following the self-protection advice published on its website, which includes securing doors, windows, and objects that may be dislodged, as well as avoiding outdoor activities in risk areas.
This activation occurs in a summer context where wind episodes are relatively frequent in the Canary Islands, although the intensity expected this time has led the authorities to activate the preventive protocol. The measure will remain in effect as long as adverse weather conditions persist, and it will be updated based on the evolution of the data.
The Canary Islands Government reminds that the pre-alert is the lowest activation level of the PEFMA, but it should not be taken lightly. Citizens are asked to stay alert to official channels and to contact 112 in case of any incidents.
The effects of the wind will be particularly felt on the roads of the southeast and west slopes, where drivers must exercise caution due to possible lateral gusts. Caution is also recommended in coastal areas, where the wind can lift dust and reduce visibility.
For the coming days, Aemet forecasts that the wind will continue to blow with intensity, although there is a trend towards moderation starting Monday. Authorities will maintain vigilance and could raise the alert level if conditions worsen.
The activation of the wind pre-alert is a common measure in the Canary Islands, where the trade wind regime can intensify at certain times of the year. This time, the combination of wind and summer temperatures may create a dry and dusty environment in some areas.
The Canary Islands Government reminds that official information is updated through the website of the General Directorate of Emergencies and social media, and that the public should avoid spreading rumours or unverified information. In case of any emergency, the 112 phone line is operational 24 hours a day.
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