Fuerteventura activates Island Emergency Plan as extreme heat risk raised to red
The Fuerteventura Cabildo has activated the Island Civil Protection Emergency Plan (PEIN) in response to an official alert for maximum temperatures issued by the Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General for Emergencies.
The PEIN will be in pre-emergency phase from 00:00H today, Saturday 9th August, until the alert is lifted. Its activation allows immediate implementation of all necessary measures to manage the risks posed by the extreme heat.
Events suspended during hottest hours
As part of the measures, all public events and Cabildo-organised activities in open spaces, or in venues without adequate air conditioning, are suspended between 9:00am and 9:00pm for the duration of the activation.
Emergency resources and personnel from the Cabildo are being mobilised under the direction of the Cabildo’s Department of Security and Emergencies, with full coordination via CECOES.
Health risk level raised
The Canary Islands Health Service (SCS) has upgraded the health risk level for extreme temperatures in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote to red, the highest category, following updated forecasts from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
The red alert indicates a high risk to health, particularly for vulnerable groups, due to persistent, intense heat both during the day and at night.
The active warnings in place until at least Thursday 14th August in the Canary Islands are:
Red Alert (High Risk)
Gran Canaria: Highlands (Tejeda, Vega de San Mateo) and eastern, western and southern areas (Agüimes, Artenara, Ingenio, Mogán, San Bartolomé de Tirajana, La Aldea de San Nicolás, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Telde, Valsequillo)
Fuerteventura: Antigua, Betancuria, La Oliva, Pájara, Puerto del Rosario, Tuineje
Lanzarote: Arrecife, Haría, San Bartolomé, Teguise, Tías, Tinajo, Yaiza
Orange Alert (Medium Risk)
Tenerife: Metropolitan area (Candelaria, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, El Rosario, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tacoronte, Tegueste)
La Palma: Highlands (El Paso)
Yellow Alert (Low Risk)
Several municipalities across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Palma remain under yellow warning.
Who is most at risk
The SCS highlights that the following groups are particularly vulnerable:
- Infants and children under 4, pregnant women, and adults over 65.
- People with chronic illnesses (heart, respiratory, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity) or on certain medications (diuretics, sedatives, anticholinergics, etc.).
- Those with reduced mobility, cognitive impairment, or who live alone.
- Outdoor workers, athletes, and tourists engaged in prolonged outdoor activities.
Signs of heat-related illness include intense thirst, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, and in severe cases, fainting, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Advice for residents and visitors
- Drink water regularly—don’t wait until you feel thirsty—and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary or energy drinks.
- Eat light meals such as salads, vegetables, and fruit; avoid heavy, fatty foods.
- Avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours (12:00–17:00); wear loose, light-coloured clothing and a hat.
- Keep indoor spaces cool; take regular cool showers or use damp cloths to refresh the body.
- Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening, and avoid strenuous exercise during the heat of the day.
- Check on vulnerable relatives, neighbours, and friends.
- Call 112 in any emergency.
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