The week of uncertain weather is continuing in the Canary Islands, following calima, strong winds, some rain, and storm warnings yesterday, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are now being placed on alert for forest fires as an intense spell of heat is bringing temperatures of up to 37°C, strong winds, very low humidity and unusually warm nights to the two islands.
The Canary Islands Government has activated an official wildfire alert for Tenerife and Gran Canaria from 10:00am today (Saturday) as a new period of intense heat takes hold across the islands.
A pre-alert for high temperatures has also been activated in Gran Canaria and across the mountains and mid-altitude areas of southwest Tenerife from 10:00am.
The measures have been introduced following the latest weather forecasts and assessments of the increased risk of forest fires, with residents and holidaymakers being urged to take extra precautions.
Temperatures could reach 37°C
Gran Canaria is expected to experience some of the most extreme conditions, particularly across the mountains and the south, east and west-facing slopes of the island.
Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach 35°C in many affected areas and could locally hit 37°C.
Night-time temperatures will also remain unusually high, with minimums of between 24°C and 26°C expected in the worst affected areas.
Authorities have warned that sudden increases in temperature could even occur during the night, with temperatures potentially reaching 30°C in some places during the early hours of the morning.
Tenerife could exceed 33°C
In Tenerife, temperatures above 33°C are forecast in the mountains and mid-altitude areas on the south and west-facing slopes.
The heat will also affect the southern side of the metropolitan area and the mid-altitude and coastal areas of the Güímar Valley.
Combined with low humidity and wind, authorities say the conditions significantly increase the need for preventative measures against wildfires.
Very low humidity increases fire risk
In Gran Canaria, relative humidity is forecast to fall below 30% across mountain and mid-altitude areas.
The trade winds are also expected to strengthen on southeast and northeast-facing slopes, with locally very strong gusts possible.
The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, dry vegetation and strong winds creates particularly dangerous conditions for the spread of any wildfire that does start.
There is also a possibility of convective weather producing lightning, which could affect forest areas, at least during the first half of Saturday.
Emergency services will continue to monitor the situation and could revise the alert levels depending on how weather conditions develop.
Extra warning for El Pino celebrations
With the traditional Fiesta del Pino celebrations in Gran Canaria approaching, people planning journeys or pilgrimages on foot are being advised to take particular care.
Authorities recommend avoiding walking during the hottest part of the day, carrying plenty of water and paying particular attention to children, elderly people and anyone particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.
Wildfire precautions
The Canary Islands Government's Directorate General of Emergencies is asking everyone to take precautions to prevent fires.
People should not throw cigarette ends, matches or rubbish into wooded or rural areas, and fireworks, firecrackers or other items involving flames should not be used in areas where there is a fire risk, including agricultural land and residential developments surrounded by woodland.
Residents and visitors should also respect any restrictions introduced by the individual island councils and local authorities, particularly those controlling access to forests and restricting certain activities while the wildfire risk remains high.
Homeowners in rural areas are advised to keep the area around their properties clear of dry vegetation and rubbish.
Anyone who sees smoke or fire in the countryside should immediately call 112, giving as much information as possible about the location.
How to stay safe during the heat
Residents and holidaymakers are advised to avoid strenuous physical exercise during the hottest hours of the day and to spend time in cool or shaded places wherever possible.
People should drink water regularly, protect themselves from direct sunlight and eat light meals, while alcohol should be avoided during periods of intense heat.
Extra attention should be given to elderly people and young children, who can be particularly vulnerable to high temperatures.
The Directorate General of Emergencies says it will continue monitoring the situation and update the alert status as new weather forecasts become available.
