17 Canary Islands municipalities on red alert for health risk from heatwave
The Canary Islands are bracing for the most intense phase of the current heatwave, with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issuing an orange alert for all islands tomorrow (Saturday). The Government of the Canary Islands has updated its maximum temperature alerts, maintaining the alert in Gran Canaria and extending it to Tenerife from 8:00am today.
In addition, a pre-alert for high temperatures now covers Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, joining La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro, where it was already in force.
According to AEMET, the islands are facing a prolonged episode of extreme heat, accompanied by light calima, with maximum temperatures expected to reach or exceed 39°C in shaded areas of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and around 36°C on the other islands.
The hottest conditions will be in inland areas, mid-altitudes, and higher zones, where night-time temperatures will remain uncomfortably high — rarely dropping below 25°C and, in some places, possibly staying close to 30°C.
Yesterday, three towns in Gran Canaria recorded temperatures above 40°C:
- La Aldea de San Nicolás – 41.2°C
- Agüimes – 41.1°C
- San Bartolomé de Tirajana – 40.6°C
In Tenerife, the highest temperature was 38.9°C at Llano de los Loros in La Laguna.
Health Alerts in Force
The Canary Islands’ Directorate General of Public Health has issued a red health alert (high risk) for today in 17 municipalities:
- Gran Canaria: Tejeda, Vega de San Mateo, Agüimes, Artenara, Ingenio, Mogán, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, La Aldea de San Nicolás, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Telde, and Valsequillo.
- Fuerteventura: Antigua, Betancuria, La Oliva, Pájara, Puerto del Rosario, and Tuineje.
A medium-level orange health alert is active for:
- Tenerife: Candelaria, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, El Rosario, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tacoronte, and Tegueste.
- La Palma: El Paso.
- Lanzarote: Arrecife, Haría, San Bartolomé, Teguise, Tías, Tinajo, and Yaiza.
Most other municipalities remain under a yellow alert (low risk).
Health Advice for Residents and Tourists
The Canary Islands Health Service is urging everyone to:
- Drink water and other non-alcoholic fluids regularly — don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
- Avoid caffeine, sugary soft drinks, energy drinks, and alcohol.
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
- Eat light meals such as salads, vegetables, and fruit, avoiding heavy or fatty foods.
Extreme heat poses a serious risk, especially for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Visitors and residents are advised to plan outdoor activities carefully and seek shade or air-conditioned spaces where possible.
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