The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has declared an alert for maximum temperatures across the archipelago from 11:00 on Thursday, July 30.
The Canary Islands Government, through the General Directorate of Emergencies, has activated the alert for maximum temperatures across all the islands, a measure that will come into effect at 11:00 on Thursday, July 30. The decision has been made in accordance with the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA), in anticipation of an episode of intense heat that will last several days.
According to the analysed weather models, a mass of warm, dry air of African origin is expected to arrive, starting to be felt from this Wednesday and intensifying progressively. The eastern islands, especially Gran Canaria, will be the first to experience the rise in temperatures, although the situation will extend to the rest of the archipelago from Friday and throughout the weekend.
Forecasts indicate that maximum temperatures could equal or exceed 34 degrees Celsius in interior areas and midlands facing south and west in Gran Canaria, where temperatures could reach 38 degrees at the beginning of the weekend. In Fuerteventura, thermometers could hit 33 degrees in the interior, while in Tenerife, values between 32 and 33 degrees are expected in interior sectors, with the possibility that the episode may extend to other islands.
This episode will be accompanied by a low thermal inversion, initially around 400 metres in Gran Canaria and between 500 and 700 metres in the western islands, with a tendency to descend progressively. This situation will favour a warm and dry environment in the midlands and high areas. Additionally, the influx of African air could be accompanied by weak calima, mainly in the eastern islands, although significant concentrations of dust at the surface are not expected.
The General Directorate of Emergencies has indicated that continuous monitoring of the episode's evolution will be carried out, so it is not ruled out that the activation level may be raised or the territorial scope modified based on updates to weather forecasts and warnings issued by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
In light of this situation, the Canary Islands Government has urged the population to follow the self-protection advice from the General Directorate of Emergencies. Recommendations include avoiding sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, staying hydrated, wearing light and light-coloured clothing, and paying special attention to the most vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
For residents in Granadilla de Abona, the alert means that temperatures could be particularly high in the midland areas, so it is advised to take extra precautions in outdoor activities and at home. Local authorities have reminded that spaces should be kept ventilated and unnecessary physical exertion should be avoided during the hottest hours.
This episode of high temperatures occurs in the context of an especially warm summer in the Canary Islands, where heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent. The activation of the alert aims to minimise health risks and prevent heat-related incidents.
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