Government issues more weather warnings as hot, dry air mass reaches the Islands
The Canary Islands Government has urged residents and visitors to take precautions as a hot, dry air mass enters the archipelago, bringing rising temperatures, calima, strong winds, and rough sea conditions.
Pre-alerts declared
The Directorate General of Emergencies has declared:
- Pre-alert for strong winds across all islands from Sunday evening (14th September).
- Pre-alert for coastal phenomena in the western islands and Gran Canaria, with dangerous sea conditions expected.
- Alert for forest fire risk in Gran Canaria above 400 metres, starting Monday 15th September at 10:00am.
- Pre-alert for high temperatures in Gran Canaria from 11:00am on Monday, particularly inland, at summits, and in eastern, southern, and western areas.
The measures are based on forecasts from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and are part of the Canary Islands’ Civil Protection Plans (INFOCA and PEFMA).
Areas most affected
Strong wind gusts of 50–70 km/h are expected in exposed areas, affecting multiple municipalities, including:
- Tenerife: Santiago del Teide, Granadilla, Arico, Fasnia, Güímar, Candelaria, La Laguna, Santa Cruz, among others.
- Gran Canaria: Gáldar, Agaete, Artenara, Tejeda, La Aldea, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Agüimes, Ingenio, Telde.
- Other islands: parts of El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
At sea, winds of force 6–7 (39–61 km/h) and waves of up to 2.5 metres are expected, especially along the west and southeast coasts.
Heat and fire risk
In Gran Canaria, maximum temperatures are forecast to reach 30–34°C in forested areas, with very low humidity levels and a temperature inversion below 600 metres, creating conditions that increase the risk of wildfires.
Safety recommendations
Authorities have issued the following advice:
- Fire prevention: Do not discard cigarette butts, matches, or litter in wooded areas; avoid using anything that sparks, or open flames in rural or forested zones.
- Heat safety: Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours, remain in cool spaces, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol.
- Wind precautions: Watch out for falling branches and loose objects; avoid walking through wooded or gardened areas during strong gusts.
- Coastal safety: Stay away from breakwaters and piers, postpone water sports, and avoid swimming in unsupervised or remote beaches.
The Government stressed that these measures are vital to reduce accidents and protect public safety until the weather stabilises.
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