Canary Islands Issue Heatwave Alerts as Temperatures Near 40°C

The Canary Islands are bracing for a heatwave this Tuesday, September 8, with the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issuing several weather alerts. Temperatures are expected to climb across the archipelago, with some areas reaching nearly 40°C. Authorities are urging caution, as the extreme heat poses risks to public health and increases the danger of forest fires.

The intensity of the heat varies by island. Tenerife, La Gomera, El Hierro, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and parts of La Palma are under a yellow warning, with temperatures forecast between 34°C and 37°C. Gran Canaria is facing the most severe conditions; an orange warning is in place for its eastern, southern, and western slopes, where temperatures could hit 38°C or even 40°C. Nights will offer little relief, with temperatures expected to stay above 25°C.

In addition to the heat, haze is expected to affect the mid-altitudes and summits. While winds will generally blow from the northeast, they will shift toward the east at higher elevations. Strong gusts are expected along the northern peaks during the morning, and trade winds will remain strong along parts of the coast.

The weather is largely stable with clear skies, though some low clouds may appear in the north and inland areas during the middle of the day. Because temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C across the islands, officials have activated safety protocols between 10:00 and 20:00, when the risk of heat exposure is at its peak.