Canary Islands Issue Road Safety Warnings as Heatwave Hits 40°C
Canary Islands authorities have issued urgent road safety warnings as a severe heatwave pushes temperatures toward 40°C across the archipelago.
A severe heatwave is hitting the Canary Islands this Sunday, with temperatures forecast to reach 40°C in Gran Canaria and 37°C in Tenerife. With highs exceeding 35°C across the rest of the archipelago, regional health authorities have issued a special road safety warning.
Extreme heat poses a significant risk to drivers, as fatigue, dehydration, and heat stress can quickly reduce concentration and increase the likelihood of accidents. To stay safe, the government recommends the following precautions:
Vehicle Maintenance Extreme heat puts extra strain on your car. Before traveling, perform a technical check-up, paying close attention to your cooling system.
Inside the Car
- Ventilate: Open the doors or windows to air out the car before you start your journey.
- Reduce Heat: Use sunshades or steering wheel covers to prevent the interior from becoming a greenhouse.
- Visibility: Wear approved sunglasses to reduce glare, which can be dangerous when combined with driver fatigue.
Driver Habits
- Hydrate: Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Eat Light: Avoid heavy meals before driving, as they can cause drowsiness.
- Never Leave Anyone Behind: It is strictly prohibited to leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach lethal levels in a very short time, and cracking the windows open will not prevent this.
With the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) issuing weather alerts, authorities urge all drivers to take these precautions seriously to stay safe during this period of extreme heat.