canary islands heatwave july 2026 alerts

Canary Islands heatwave: alerts issued as temperatures soar

Heatwave alert for the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands will face a spell of high temperatures from this Sunday, 5 July, which will also raise the risk of wildfires. In response, the Government of the Canary Islands has urged the public to take extra precautions to minimise the risks associated with the heat and avoid any behaviour that could spark a fire.

Prevention is key, say authorities

The regional government has reminded everyone that prevention is vital during such episodes. It particularly stresses not discarding cigarette butts, lit matches, or rubbish in wooded areas, and avoiding the use of fireworks, rockets, or any other fire-generating devices in high-risk zones, farmland, or housing estates near forested land.

Pre-alert declared from Sunday

The Government of the Canary Islands declared a pre-alert for maximum temperatures across the entire archipelago from 8:00 am on Sunday, 5 July, under the region’s Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Phenomena. Weather models point to an episode linked to a warm air mass from Africa, which will initially affect Gran Canaria and inland areas of Fuerteventura on Sunday. From Monday, the forecast indicates a gradual intensification across the rest of the archipelago, with the highest impact expected between Tuesday and Thursday.

Safety measures around homes and land

Additionally, the Canary Islands Government has asked residents to maintain a safety perimeter free of dry vegetation and rubbish around homes and undeveloped plots. It also advises against camping outside designated areas and urges people to respect any restrictions that island councils or local town halls may impose on access to forest areas or certain types of work while the risk situation continues.

What to do if you see smoke or fire

If you spot smoke or fire, the advice is to call 112 immediately. The sooner an alert is raised, the faster emergency resources can be deployed, and this can be crucial in preventing a small outbreak from turning into a large-scale wildfire.

Personal precautions during the heatwave

The high temperatures also call for heightened personal precautions. The Government of the Canary Islands advises avoiding physical exercise during the hottest hours of the day, staying in cool places, drinking water frequently, and protecting yourself from the sun. Lighter meals are recommended, and alcohol consumption should be avoided. Extra attention should be paid to those most vulnerable to heat, particularly the elderly and children. The regional government asks people to take special care of them during this episode, ensuring they stay well hydrated and are not left exposed to the sun or in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

Source

Scroll to Top