The Government of the Canary Islands has activated a pre-alert for maximum temperatures across the archipelago starting tomorrow, Wednesday. Values of up to 38 degrees are expected in Gran Canaria, with an episode that will last throughout the weekend.
The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has declared a pre-alert for maximum temperatures across the archipelago from 11:00 hours on Wednesday, July 29. The measure is adopted in anticipation of an episode of intense heat that will extend over several days and will particularly affect the eastern islands.
According to information provided by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the arrival of a warm, dry air mass of African origin will progressively raise temperatures. Maximum temperatures could reach or exceed 34 degrees in inland areas and mid-altitudes facing south and west in Gran Canaria, where peak values of up to 38 degrees are not ruled out at the beginning of the weekend.
In Fuerteventura, values of up to 33 degrees are expected inland, while in Tenerife, temperatures between 32 and 33 degrees are anticipated in the island's interior sectors. The episode could subsequently extend to the rest of the archipelago, according to meteorological models.
The thermal inversion will be low, initially around 400 meters in Gran Canaria and between 500 and 700 meters in the western islands, with a tendency to decrease. This configuration will favour a warm and dry environment in mid-altitudes and high areas, increasing the risk of wildfires and heat strokes, especially in vulnerable individuals.
The influx of African air could also bring weak calima, mainly to the eastern islands, although no significant concentrations of dust at the surface are expected. However, individuals with respiratory issues should take extra precautions.
The Government of the Canary Islands has activated the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA) in pre-alert phase. This involves continuous monitoring of the meteorological evolution and the possibility of raising the activation level if predictions worsen.
The General Directorate of Emergencies recommends that the public follow the self-protection advice available on its website. Among the most important measures are: avoiding sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, drinking plenty of water, not engaging in intense physical exertion, and paying special attention to the elderly, children, and pets.
It is also advised to keep homes cool by closing blinds and windows during the day and ventilating at night. If symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or headache are noticed, one should seek a cool place and request medical assistance if they persist.
This heat episode arrives in the middle of summer and recalls similar events recorded in previous years, such as the heatwave in August 2023, which left record temperatures on several islands. Authorities stress the need to exercise extreme caution and avoid any activities that could generate fires, given the high risk of propagation under these conditions.
The pre-alert will remain active for the duration of the episode, and information will be updated as new data from AEMET is received. Citizens are advised to stay informed through the official channels of the Government of the Canary Islands and emergency services.
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