The small coastal village of Tasarte in Gran Canaria recorded Spain’s highest temperature on Tuesday, hitting 42.6°C, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). This reading, taken at 3.40pm, put Tasarte ahead of Molina de Segura in Murcia, which reached 41.6°C, and 41°C in Lomo Pedro Alfonso in San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria.
The extreme heatwave gripping the Canary Islands has particularly affected Gran Canaria, prompting high-temperature warnings across the island. Areas in the southern, eastern, and western parts of Gran Canaria were under an orange warning, repeatedly recording temperatures close to 40°C.
Maspalomas also experienced sizzling conditions, with temperatures peaking at 39.8°C. The Aemet station in Agüimes registered 38.9°C, while Tijarafe on La Palma reached 38.3°C.
Many areas experienced overnight temperatures above 30°C, with Aemet referring to it as a “hellish” night, leaving residents struggling to sleep.
High temperatures are expected to continue into Wednesday, though with slightly less intensity as the mercury begins to drop. However, Gran Canaria’s southern, eastern, and western slopes remain under an orange warning, with forecasts suggesting temperatures may reach 37°C or higher.
Yellow warnings will be in effect for areas in La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and the summits of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, where temperatures could hit between 34°C and 35°C.