Canary Islands Experience Record Temperatures Amid Heatwave
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has confirmed that San Bartolomé de Tirajana in Gran Canaria recorded the highest temperature in the Canary Islands on Sunday, 5 July, reaching 36.9°C at 12:10. This confirms Gran Canaria as the island most impacted by the heat, particularly in its inland and mid-altitude regions.
In Tenerife, temperatures were also high, with San Cristóbal de La Laguna recording 32.9°C at the Llano de los Loros station at 13:20, marking it as the warmest area in Tenerife for the day. Despite its typically cooler climate, La Laguna’s elevated position contributed to the significant temperature rise during this heatwave.
Coastal areas in Tenerife were busy as hundreds flocked to the beaches to enjoy the summer weather. Popular spots like Las Teresitas and Abades drew large crowds from mid-morning onwards, benefitting from clear skies and warm temperatures.
Aemet reported that the four highest temperatures across the Canary Islands were all in Las Palmas province. Following San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Tejeda recorded 34.9°C at 12:20, with additional readings of 34.4°C at Lomo Pedro Afonso and 33.1°C at Cuevas del Pinar, all in Gran Canaria.
Due to the soaring temperatures, Aemet has issued a heat advisory, warning that conditions could reach 35°C in parts of Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura. A fire risk alert has also been declared across Gran Canaria and Tenerife, effective from 08:00 on Sunday, due to the combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, and the terrain’s characteristics.
Authorities urge the public to take precautions to prevent fires by avoiding activities that may cause sparks and to refrain from discarding cigarette ends carelessly.
While the forecast calls for mostly clear skies, with some hazy conditions expected later in the day, temperatures are projected to rise slightly, particularly in inland areas of the mountainous islands. A light northerly wind is anticipated, with possible strong gusts along the coasts.
Highest Temperatures Recorded:
- San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Las Tirajanas: 36.9°C
- Tejeda: 34.9°C
- San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Lomo Pedro Afonso: 34.4°C
- San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Cuevas del Pinar: 33.1°C
- San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Llano de los Loros: 32.9°C
Future temperature updates from Aemet will provide further insights, especially in inland areas where the heat has been most pronounced.
