On the occasion of the total solar eclipse scheduled for August 12, a phenomenon expected to attract thousands of people to various locations in the Canary Islands and the rest of Spain, AEMET will implement a special meteorological information service. Starting Friday, August 7, a daily bulletin will be published with weather forecasts, adverse phenomena, and expected cloud cover, a key factor for observing the eclipse.
In addition to cloud cover, the agency will include information on maximum temperatures and the forest fire danger index. AEMET emphasizes that the fire risk will increase in the coming days, potentially reaching very high or extreme levels on the day of the eclipse, thus reiterating the need for extreme caution.
The agency reminds that, although previous studies based on historical data and mathematical models have been conducted, the reliability of cloud cover forecasts is sufficient from five days before the event. The special bulletin will provide a detailed forecast of cloud evolution, also accessible through an interactive viewer on the official website of the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities.
AEMET will also disseminate updated infographics on its social media profiles and issue warnings for adverse phenomena if necessary. The forecast of massive attendance to natural and rural areas makes meteorological planning essential for ensuring safety.
In collaboration with Civil Protection authorities, AEMET will provide updated information to assist administrations in adopting measures for potential incidents related to heat, wind, or increased risk of forest fires.
Authorities, including the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), recall the importance of preventive measures such as not starting fires in forest areas, avoiding parking on dry vegetation, keeping access routes clear for emergencies, and daily checking the fire danger level. Individual responsibility is called upon to protect natural heritage in a context of high temperatures and conditions favorable for fire spread.
Special bulletins will be published daily on the AEMET website until August 12, providing continuous information for planning travel and preventive measures for an exceptional astronomical event and a high risk of forest fires.
