Canary Islands on High Alert Amid Heatwave, Strong Winds, and Dust Storm

Regional authorities have activated emergency surveillance across the Canary Islands this Sunday due to a combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and a calima (dust storm). These conditions have significantly increased the risk of forest fires and created unstable weather across the archipelago.

The Canary Islands Government has issued a pre-alert for extreme heat and high winds for all islands. Tenerife is also under a yellow weather warning for rough coastal conditions. Temperatures are expected to reach 34°C in parts of Tenerife, particularly in the lower areas of Candelaria and El Rosario. Other islands are also under heat surveillance; Gran Canaria is under a yellow warning, with temperatures potentially hitting 37°C in mid-altitude areas.

Suspended dust will be visible today, especially in the higher and mid-altitude areas of the eastern islands. Meanwhile, trade winds are strengthening, with intense gusts expected on the southeast and northwest coasts, as well as the Anaga massif by the afternoon. While the central peaks remain calm, coastal breezes are expected in the southwest.

With temperatures fluctuating—dropping in the northern mid-altitudes but rising on the southern and eastern slopes—officials are urging the public to take extreme precautions. Emergency services are working in coordination to manage the combined risks of wind, heat, and fire to ensure the safety of residents and the environment.