Heatwave Sparks Fire Alerts in Gran Canaria and Tenerife
Gran Canaria and Tenerife have been put on high alert for wildfires as heatwaves continue to affect the Canary Islands. From 11am on Thursday, 13 August, the regional government declared a state of alert due to extreme temperatures.
The weather forecast indicates that temperatures may rise above 37ºC in some areas of Gran Canaria, particularly in the mountainous regions and the southwest. Tenerife is also expected to experience soaring temperatures, exceeding 30ºC in the western and southern areas, with local highs reaching 34ºC.
Smaller islands including El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera will be under a pre-alert for potential wildfires. The government based its decision on information from the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) and other sources, following the specific emergency plans in place for adverse weather conditions.
The warning highlights the heightened risk of wildfires, especially in the mountain areas and southern slopes of both islands. With relative humidity expected to fall below 30%, the potential for wildfires remains very high, according to the Aemet’s fire danger index.
Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions as the heatwave is expected to persist across the central islands, with a mix of moderate to strong winds forecasted.
