The Canary Islands are preparing for an intense heat episode that could mark the first heatwave of the summer. Maximum temperatures are expected to reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius during the day, with nighttime lows remaining above 27 degrees, according to forecasts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). This situation has prompted the Government of the Canary Islands to activate alerts for maximum temperatures and forest fire risk across several islands.
Islands closest to the African continent, such as Gran Canaria and Tenerife, will be the first to feel the impact of the warm air mass of Saharan origin. In municipalities in the central and higher areas of Gran Canaria, thermometers already registered 31 degrees at 10:00 AM, rising to 34 degrees an hour later. The midlands and summit areas of the mountainous islands, as well as the interior of the eastern islands, will be most affected by this heat, which is projected to last at least until Thursday.
Aemet has issued yellow and orange alerts for all islands on Tuesday and Wednesday. In the eastern province (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote), the orange alert forecasts highs of up to 37 degrees, with areas in San Bartolomé de Tirajana potentially reaching 39 degrees. In Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, and La Palma, highs of up to 36 degrees are expected.
Tropical nights, with lows above 20 degrees Celsius, will be particularly notable and will affect the body's thermoregulation, hindering rest. Locations like Cuevas del Pinar in Gran Canaria already recorded 27 degrees on the night from Sunday to Monday, and this trend is expected to increase in the coming days.
Given the escalating temperatures and high fire risk, the Government of the Canary Islands has declared an alert in El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. Open fires in outdoor areas, smoking in risk zones, and the use of spark-generating machinery are prohibited. A progressive decrease in temperatures is anticipated from Thursday onwards, pending confirmation from meteorological models.
