Government declares red alert for heat and wildfires across the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands Government has raised the level of weather alerts and extended them to the entire archipelago due to an episode of extreme heat expected to last until early next week.
Following forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other sources, the Canary Islands’ Directorate General of Emergencies has upgraded the existing pre-alert for high temperatures in the eastern province to a full alert for maximum temperatures throughout the islands.
This comes into effect from 8:00am today, Wednesday 16th July, under the framework of the Canary Islands’ Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
Temperatures could exceed 38°C
The heatwave will affect all of the Canary Islands, with maximum temperatures expected to reach or exceed 34 to 38 degrees Celsius, especially in mid-altitude areas and inland. Overnight lows will also be unusually high, remaining above 25 degrees across large areas and even surpassing 28 degrees in the centre of Gran Canaria.
This episode will be accompanied by a light calima (haze), which could reduce visibility and impact air quality in parts of the archipelago.
Heightened wildfire risk
Alongside the heat alert, the regional government has also declared an alert for forest fire risk across all islands, effective from 8:00am today, Wednesday, under the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Plan for Forest Fires (INFOCA).
This measure covers El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera and Tenerife entirely, and in Gran Canaria applies to areas above 600 metres on the north side and 400 metres on other slopes. Forecast conditions include thermal inversions below 400 metres, humidity levels under 30% from 400 metres upward, light to moderate easterly winds in forested areas on Wednesday, and stronger northeasterly winds in the days following, with gusts potentially exceeding 70 km/h on El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Recommendations for residents and visitors
In light of these conditions, the Government of the Canary Islands urges people to:
- Avoid physical exercise during the hottest hours of the day
- Eat light, regular meals and stay well hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and seek shade or shelter under umbrellas at the beach
- Rest in cool places, whether outdoors or in air-conditioned spaces
Regarding the wildfire risk, authorities stress the importance of:
- Not discarding lit cigarettes, matches or litter in wooded areas
- Avoiding fireworks, firecrackers or any devices with flames in at-risk zones, including open fields, farmland or developments surrounded by forest
- Having basic firefighting tools like hoses or axes, and keeping a water supply on hand
Residents and visitors are also reminded to follow any restrictions issued by local councils concerning access to forests and outdoor activities. If anyone sees smoke or flames, they should immediately call 112, as a rapid response is crucial to preventing fires from spreading uncontrollably.
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