Canary Islands on High UV Alert Amid Unseasonal Heatwave

The Canary Islands are experiencing unusual autumn weather this week. Expect higher than normal temperatures, clear skies, and strong sunshine. Because of this intense solar radiation, there's a high UV radiation alert for the entire archipelago.

Until Friday, October 24th, the islands are under a health warning due to dangerous radiation levels, especially during midday. According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the current UV levels are even higher than some summer months.

The General Directorate of Public Health has issued a high-risk protocol for UV radiation, urging everyone to take extra precautions. They recommend avoiding direct sunlight between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing like hats, sunglasses (with UV protection), and high SPF sunscreen.

Remember, babies under one year old should never be exposed to direct sunlight. It's also important to stay hydrated throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.

This unseasonable heat is due to warm air, few clouds, and weak winds, creating weather more like August than late October. AEMET predicts a slight temperature drop from Thursday, but the heat and high radiation will continue until then.

Expect some cloudy patches in different areas, especially in the north of the mountainous islands, with possible light showers in the afternoon or evening. However, Thursday will see more sunshine. Authorities warn that clouds don't eliminate the risk, as UV radiation can still be very high even with some cloud cover.

Here's a breakdown for each island:

• TENERIFE: Cloudy in the north, especially the northeast, clearing up during the day. More clouds inland in the south after midday. Possible light showers in the northern midlands at dusk.
  • Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 22 °C / 27 °C
• LA GOMERA: Partly cloudy, except in the north early and late in the day. Cloudy inland around midday. Possible showers in the north.
  • San Sebastián de La Gomera: 23 °C / 27 °C
• LA PALMA: Generally cloudy, especially in the northeast. Clouds inland in the afternoon with possible light showers in the northeastern midlands.
  • Santa Cruz de La Palma: 20 °C / 26 °C
• EL HIERRO: Cloudy throughout the day, especially in the north and inland in the afternoon. Temperatures remain the same.
  • Valverde: 17 °C / 21 °C
• LANZAROTE: Cloudier at night, clearing on the south and east slopes during the day. Stable temperatures. Moderate northeast wind, becoming lighter after sunrise.
  • Arrecife: min. 21 °C / max. 27 °C
• FUERTEVENTURA: Cloudy at night, becoming partly cloudy during the day in the south and east. Slight decrease in maximum temperatures on the west side.
  • Puerto del Rosario: 21 °C / 26 °C
• GRAN CANARIA: Cloudy in the north, clearing around midday. Partly cloudy elsewhere, with some clouds in the south. Possible light showers in the northern midlands at the end of the day.
  • Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: 22 °C / 26 °C