Canary Islands Hit by Extreme Heat Wave
The Canary Islands are bracing for another scorching day on Monday, 3 August, with temperatures forecast to soar beyond 40°C in some areas. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warns of clear skies, dust haze at altitude, and strong winds, especially in Gran Canaria, where conditions are set to be particularly severe.
In response to a surge of hot, dry air from Africa, the Canary Islands Government has issued a high-temperature alert across the region. Additionally, the INFOCA Plan remains active due to an elevated risk of forest fires on five islands.
The intense heat is especially impacting inland and mid-altitude areas. Night-time temperatures are not expected to drop below 25°C to 28°C in the most affected regions. This combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds significantly heightens the fire risk, particularly above 400 metres.
Gran Canaria will bear the brunt of this heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 34°C nearly everywhere on the island, except for the northern coast. The peaks and mid-altitude areas could see temperatures surpassing 40°C. Even at night, higher regions of Gran Canaria may struggle with minimum temperatures staying at 28°C or above, making sleep difficult. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is expected to be slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C.
Over on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, clear skies are anticipated, though the presence of dust in the upper atmosphere will contribute to a sensation of increased heat.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, inland mid-altitude areas will experience significant heat, with temperatures expected to hit 37°C. Other mid-altitude zones will also see highs of 34°C to 35°C. Minimum temperatures on the southern slopes will remain above 25°C overnight, while forecasted temperatures in the western province will range from 23°C in El Hierro to 32°C in Tenerife. Despite some low cloud forecast along the north-eastern coast, it will likely do little to mitigate the heat.
In addition to the heat, moderate to strong north-easterly winds are expected, particularly along the south-eastern and western coasts. The Directorate-General for Emergencies is urging careful precautions due to the weather conditions.
Forest fire alerts are in place for El Hierro, La Gomera, La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. The public is advised to refrain from activities that could spark fires, especially in wooded areas.
Authorities continue to recommend that residents and visitors take care, avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun during peak hours, stay hydrated, and look out for vulnerable individuals as the Canary Islands endure dangerous weather conditions at the start of the week.
