Canary Islands Issue Urgent Alerts as Extreme Heat, Dust, and High Winds Hit

The Canary Islands are bracing for a day of extreme weather this Tuesday, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). A combination of soaring temperatures, Saharan dust, and strong winds is expected to affect all the islands, prompting authorities to issue urgent safety warnings.

The heat will be most intense in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. In Gran Canaria, temperatures could hit 40°C in the south, west, and the Tejeda basin. In Tenerife, temperatures are expected to reach 35°C, potentially climbing to 37°C in southern and western mid-altitude areas. Nights will offer little relief, with temperatures struggling to drop below 25°C, which may affect sleep and pose risks to vulnerable people.

Saharan dust, known as calima, will affect the higher and mid-altitude areas of most islands. This will reduce visibility and lower air quality, which is particularly concerning for those with respiratory issues.

Strong trade winds are also expected, with gusts potentially exceeding 80 km/h in parts of Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Tenerife, La Palma, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura. Due to the dry conditions and high winds, the risk of forest fires is significantly elevated, and the public is urged to be extremely cautious in natural areas.

Other islands will also see high temperatures: La Gomera, La Palma, and El Hierro will reach over 34°C in mid-altitude areas, while Lanzarote and Fuerteventura will see temperatures between 30°C and 34°C in their southern interiors.

Maritime conditions will be rough, with strong northeasterly winds creating choppy seas.

Emergency services advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid intense physical activity during the hottest part of the day, and stay out of direct sunlight. It is especially important to check on the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions, as the combination of heat and dust poses a significant health risk.