Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a special warning for the heatwave set to affect the Canary Islands from today, Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 40°C in some areas during this week.

The latest update confirms that the heatwave officially begins today (29th July) and is expected to last until at least Sunday (2nd August), with a high probability that the extreme conditions will continue into next week.

The islands expected to be hardest hit are Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura, particularly inland areas and south-facing slopes.

Temperatures climbing day by day

According to AEMET, temperatures will steadily increase throughout the week:

• Wednesday 29th July: The heat begins to build, with temperatures exceeding 36°C in the valleys of Gran Canaria and rising across mid-altitude areas of La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
• Thursday 30th July: The heat spreads across the archipelago. Temperatures are expected to reach 36–38°C in southern Gran Canaria, while southern Tenerife and inland Fuerteventura will climb above 35°C.
• Friday 31st July: Very high temperatures continue, with 37–38°C expected in Gran Canaria and inland Fuerteventura. Some parts of southern Gran Canaria could briefly see 39–40°C.
• Weekend (1st–2nd August): Although there is some uncertainty in the forecast, extreme heat is expected to persist, with temperatures again exceeding 37–38°C in inland Fuerteventura and southern Gran Canaria.

Calima and tropical nights

The hot air mass will also bring calima, as the usual moist marine layer weakens and dust from the Sahara spreads across the islands, particularly at higher altitudes.

Combined with low humidity and southerly winds, these conditions have significantly increased the risk of forest fires, which emergency services have already described as extreme across much of the archipelago.

Residents and visitors are also being warned that nights will offer little relief, with overnight temperatures remaining above 25°C in many mid-altitude and higher areas, making sleeping conditions particularly uncomfortable.

Air quality is also expected to deteriorate in mountainous areas due to the build-up of Saharan dust.

AEMET is advising everyone to keep up to date with official weather forecasts and emergency alerts, stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and take extra care of children, older people and anyone vulnerable to the heat.