canary islands heat alert gran canaria maximum

Canary Islands heat alert: Gran Canaria on maximum alert

Maximum alert declared for Gran Canaria

Tenerife will remain on alert this Monday for high temperatures and wildfire risk, while the Government of the Canary Islands has decided to raise the situation to maximum alert on Gran Canaria due to worsening weather conditions and an increased danger of fire spreading. The update, announced by the Directorate General of Emergencies, will come into force at 11:00 on Monday, 3 August, following an analysis of forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and other specialist bodies, under the framework of the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Phenomena (PEFMA) and the Special Civil Protection and Emergency Response Plan for Forest Fires of the Canary Islands (INFOCA).

Although the highest alert level is concentrated on Gran Canaria, Tenerife maintains its alert status for heat and wildfire risk, as do La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Forecasts indicate that the heat episode will continue to affect the island intensely throughout Monday.

Temperatures set to soar in the midlands

The highest temperatures are expected once again in the mid-elevation zones (medianías), as well as in areas facing southeast of the metropolitan area and, in some specific spots, in certain coastal areas. Furthermore, the presence of a temperature inversion situated between 500 and 700 metres will create a particularly warm and dry environment in the midlands and higher areas, increasing the risk of forest fires.

The Government of the Canary Islands has reminded the public that the high-temperature episode has now been ongoing for several days and has kept its self-protection recommendations active to minimise the effects on health, particularly among the elderly, children and those with chronic illnesses.

Gran Canaria braces for extreme conditions

The main change in this update affects Gran Canaria, where the government has raised the situation to maximum alert for both high temperatures and wildfire risk. According to forecasts, the most adverse conditions will be concentrated in the Tejeda basin and in the midlands of the southeast and west, where thermometers could locally exceed 40°C. The combination of extreme temperatures, low humidity and wind will significantly increase the danger of forest fires spreading, which is why the regional government has reinforced surveillance levels.

Wind warning adds to the danger

Adding to this heat episode is a pre-alert for wind that has been in effect since Sunday afternoon across the entire archipelago. The forecast anticipates gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour, particularly on the southeast and west-facing slopes, from the coast to the midlands. In Tenerife, the wind will blow with greater intensity in the far west and along the southeast coastline, where very strong gusts could be recorded in specific locations.

The authorities warn that this combination of intense heat, wind and low humidity favours the spread of any potential forest fires and are urging extreme caution. In light of this situation, the Government of the Canary Islands insists that people avoid any activity that could spark a fire, such as lighting fires in the countryside or using tools that generate sparks, as well as respecting restrictions imposed by the island cabildos (local governing bodies).

Restrictions and safety advice

In the case of Tenerife, the Cabildo has kept level 2 measures in place, which include a ban on accessing recreational areas and campsites, as well as a prohibition on motor vehicles using forest tracks. The Directorate General of Emergencies also recommends staying well hydrated, avoiding sun exposure during the central hours of the day, remaining in cool places and paying particular attention to the most vulnerable people.

Residents and visitors are also advised to secure any objects that could be displaced by the wind and to take extra care when travelling. If smoke or a fire is detected, the authorities remind people to call 112 immediately, as a rapid response is crucial to preventing the fire from spreading.

🧭 Explore the Canary Islands with us
📰 Read more Canary Islands news ☀️ Check Canary Islands weather 🏖️ Find the best beaches in the Canaries 📲 Join us on WhatsApp

Source

Scroll to Top