Anyone currently in the Canary Islands can expect it to get hot hot hot this weekend, as hot weather from the Sahara is heading to the archipelago, which will see temperatures rise up to 34 degrees and possibly more. For this reason, the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has activated a yellow weather warning for high temperatures from Sunday in Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura.
Aemet has also reported that the General Directorate of Security and Emergencies of the Canary Islands has declared an Alert for Risk of Forest Fires in Tenerife and Gran Canaria from Sunday at 9:00am due to extreme heat at altitude in the pine forests and the humidity which is also below 30%, making it very dry.
Due to this, the Canary Islands Government has issued preventive advice to citizens to avoid risks with regard to fire as follows:
- Do not throw lit cigarette butts or matches, while out walking or from a car window.
- Do not use firecrackers, fireworks or any other device that contains fire in danger areas, even in open country, on agricultural land, or especially, in areas surrounded by forest.
- Never leave behind litter or rubbish in forest areas. Please use the correct bins provided.
- In rural locations, have basic fire fighting tools and some water supply ready.
Likewise, there is also some useful health advice during this hot period that can pose a high risk to people’s health, especially affecting babies, children, the elderly and the chronically ill. Therefore, special attention must be paid to them.
In addition, in the case of taking medication, it is advisable to keep these medicines in a cool place, the heat can alter their composition and effect, and make sure you are well hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
