The State Meteorological Agency, Aemet, has issued a yellow warning for high temperatures in Gran Canaria on Thursday, with thermometers expected to reach 34°C, and possibly 37°C in some mid-altitude areas. The most affected regions will include the south, west, and Tejeda basin, where intense heat is expected during the midday hours.
Elsewhere in the Canary Islands, temperatures are forecast to exceed 32°C in parts of Tenerife, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, and El Hierro. Strong gusts of wind are likely on exposed slopes, alongside a chance of haze, particularly in higher areas.
The heat will mainly impact mid-altitude areas and mountain peaks, with coastal regions facing north remaining relatively cooler and cloudier.
Aemet reports that north-easterly winds will persist across the islands, with the strongest gusts expected on the southern and north-western slopes of the larger islands.
In Gran Canaria, the yellow warning will be in effect from 11:00am to 8:00pm, with maximum temperatures of 34°C and some areas reaching as high as 37°C. There may also be a slight presence of calima at elevation.
Tenerife will see a moderate increase in temperatures, ranging from 30°C to 32°C in eastern, southern, and western areas. In the southern mid-altitude regions, temperatures could hit 34°C. Similar conditions are anticipated in La Gomera and El Hierro, with highs between 30°C and 34°C.
Fuerteventura is likely to experience temperatures of 32°C in its southern interior and along the south-eastern coast, while Lanzarote could see highs of 30°C.
Aemet has predicted that winds will be predominantly north-easterly, with very strong gusts likely in the afternoon on the southern and north-western slopes of the mountainous islands.
Rough seas are expected, with winds from the north or north-east at force 4 to 5, generating waves of one to two metres.
In response to the heatwave, the Canary Islands Government has declared a forest fire risk alert effective from 11:00am on Thursday, 13 August, due to the combination of high temperatures, dry conditions, wind, and haze at altitude.
The alert primarily impacts mountain peaks and mid-altitude areas in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro remain under a pre-alert status.
Authorities are urging the public to take precautions, particularly in inland and elevated areas, due to the expected intensity of the heat.
