Canary Islands Issue Emergency Pre-Alert Amid Extreme Heat and High Winds
Authorities in the Canary Islands have issued emergency pre-alerts for extreme heat and high winds, warning of an elevated risk of forest fires across the archipelago.
Authorities in the Canary Islands have issued a pre-alert as a combination of extreme heat and strong winds hits the archipelago. The regional government and the Tenerife Island Council have activated emergency protocols, warning that the current weather conditions pose a significant risk to the natural environment.
Meteorological models suggest Tuesday will be the most challenging day. In Tenerife, temperatures in mid-altitude areas and across the southern, eastern, and western slopes could climb above 35°C. Gran Canaria is expected to be even hotter, with temperatures reaching up to 37°C in the Tejeda basin and mid-altitude regions. Across the rest of the islands—La Gomera, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, and La Palma—temperatures are forecast to range between 30°C and 34°C.
Adding to the danger, the General Directorate of Emergencies has issued a wind pre-alert starting Monday morning. Gusts could reach 90 km/h in parts of Gran Canaria and La Gomera, with strong winds also expected in Tenerife, La Palma, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. Because the combination of heat and wind significantly increases the risk of forest fires, Tenerife’s president, Rosa Dávila, has urged the public to be extremely cautious in wooded areas and natural spaces.
Health officials are advising residents to protect vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions. They recommend staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day and staying well-hydrated. At home, residents are encouraged to keep rooms cool, use air conditioning, and secure any loose items on balconies or rooftops that could be blown away by the wind.
Authorities are also calling for individual responsibility in rural areas. All activities that could spark a fire are strictly prohibited, and any emergencies should be reported immediately by calling 1-1-2. The public is also advised to check road conditions before traveling and to stay away from cliff edges and seaside promenades, where high waves may be dangerous. The Tenerife Island Council is monitoring the situation closely to ensure emergency services are ready to respond to any incidents.