The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has activated a pre-alert for high temperatures in La Gomera, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria since 11:20 AM this Thursday, July 9, according to the State Meteorological Agency.
The heat continues to intensify in the archipelago. The Canary Islands Government, through the General Directorate of Emergencies, has updated the weather situation and declared a pre-alert level for high temperatures on four islands: La Gomera, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. This measure, which came into effect at 11:20 AM this Thursday, July 9, responds to forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and is part of the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
Most affected areas by heat on each island
The pre-alert does not affect all areas equally. In La Gomera, the risk areas are the summits and midlands of the south. In Tenerife, the warning focuses on the midlands and summits of the west and south. In Gran Canaria, the western, southern and eastern slopes, as well as the summits, are those that could record the highest temperatures. In Fuerteventura, the southern half of the island is the one indicated.
According to AEMET data, during today, maximum temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 34 ºC in the summits and western, southern and eastern slopes of Gran Canaria. In the rest of the areas under pre-alert, temperatures will hover around 30-32 ºC. However, a gradual decrease in temperatures is expected during the afternoon, which has led authorities to maintain the pre-alert only until 8:00 PM.
End of alert in the rest of the archipelago
The good news is that the widespread episode of high temperatures that has affected the archipelago in recent days is subsiding. In the rest of the islands, the alert situation that was in effect is now considered over. Therefore, residents in Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera (in unaffected areas), El Hierro and the north of Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria can breathe a little easier.
For residents in the pre-alert areas, the recommendation is clear: constant hydration, avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, and pay special attention to the most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children. The General Directorate of Emergencies has reminded people of the self-protection advice available on its website.
This Thursday, the Canarian sun is relentless in the summits and midlands of the south, but a respite will arrive in the afternoon. In the meantime, it’s time to arm oneself with patience, fresh water, and, if possible, a generous shade. Let the heat not take away our good spirits.
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