Canary Islands issues alert for high temperatures and fire risk on five islands

The Canary Islands Government has raised the alert status for high temperatures across the Archipelago and activated the fire alert in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria.

The Canary Islands Government, through the General Directorate of Emergencies, has declared a high-temperature alert across the Archipelago starting at 11:00 hours on July 30, 2026. This measure, which replaces the current pre-alert, responds to the arrival of a warm and dry air mass of African origin that will progressively raise temperatures.

Simultaneously, a fire risk alert has been activated on five islands: Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria. In the latter, the alert applies from an altitude of 400 meters. Both declarations are part of the PEFMA (Adverse Meteorological Phenomena) and INFOCA (forest fires) plans.

According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), maximum temperatures will reach 38 ºC in the interior and mid-altitudes facing south and west of Gran Canaria between Friday and Saturday. In Fuerteventura, temperatures will reach 33 ºC in some inland areas, while in Tenerife, temperatures are expected to be between 32 and 33 ºC, with possible spikes in the peaks.

The Saharan air mass will bring weak calima and a low thermal inversion, between 400 and 700 meters in altitude. Relative humidity will drop below 30% in high areas, increasing the territory's vulnerability. Additionally, moderate to strong northeast trade winds will blow in exposed areas and inter-island channels.

The General Directorate of Emergencies maintains constant vigilance alongside Civil Protection. Official bodies do not rule out modifying the intensity or territorial scope of the measures if risk indices worsen in the coming hours.

For the Canary population, it is recommended to take extra precautions: avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, stay adequately hydrated, and refrain from lighting fires in forested areas. In case of emergency, contact 112.

This heat episode occurs in the context of climate change, which has increased the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the region. The Canary Islands already suffered severe fires in 2023 and 2024, prompting authorities to emphasize prevention.