canary islands heatwave alert july 2026

Canary Islands heatwave alert: temperatures to hit 38°C

Heatwave alert issued for Canary Islands

The Canary Islands government, through its Directorate General for Emergencies, has declared a pre-alert for maximum temperatures across the entire archipelago, effective from 8am on Sunday 5 July. The decision has been taken based on available information and in accordance with the Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Phenomena (PEFMA).

Multi-day heat episode expected

Forecasts point to a multi-day episode of high temperatures, beginning on Sunday in the eastern islands and gradually spreading to the rest of the archipelago during the following week, particularly from Tuesday onwards. According to the regional government, analysed weather models show a consistent evolution towards a high-temperature episode associated with a mass of warm air of African origin.

This will initially affect Gran Canaria on Sunday, also extending to inland areas of Fuerteventura. From Monday, the episode is expected to intensify and progressively spread to the rest of the archipelago, with particular impact between Tuesday and Thursday.

Temperatures of up to 38°C forecast

Maximum temperatures of 34°C or higher are expected in inland areas and south-facing mid-altitude zones of Gran Canaria, with values approaching 38°C likely in some locations at the start of next week. Models also forecast temperatures of up to 33°C in Fuerteventura and between 32 and 33°C in inland parts of Tenerife. The episode may subsequently extend to the rest of the archipelago as weather conditions evolve.

Low thermal inversion and calima

The episode will be accompanied by a low thermal inversion, initially located between 400 metres in Gran Canaria and 500-700 metres in the western islands, with a tendency to descend progressively, creating dry conditions in mid-altitude and high-altitude areas. The intrusion of African air may also bring a weak calima, mainly affecting the eastern islands, though no significant concentrations of dust at ground level are expected.

Continuous monitoring in place

Given the forecast duration of the episode and the evolving models, the authorities will carry out continuous monitoring of the situation. The activation level may be raised depending on updated weather predictions and any warnings issued by AEMET (the Spanish state meteorological agency).

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