Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a special warning for the heatwave set to affect the Canary Islands from today, Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 40°C in some areas during this week.
The latest update confirms that the heatwave officially begins today (29th July) and is expected to last until at least Sunday (2nd August), with a high probability that the extreme conditions will continue into next week.
The islands expected to be hardest hit are Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Fuerteventura, particularly inland areas and south-facing slopes.
Temperatures climbing day by day
According to AEMET, temperatures will steadily increase throughout the week:
Calima and tropical nights
The hot air mass will also bring calima, as the usual moist marine layer weakens and dust from the Sahara spreads across the islands, particularly at higher altitudes.
Combined with low humidity and southerly winds, these conditions have significantly increased the risk of forest fires, which emergency services have already described as extreme across much of the archipelago.
Residents and visitors are also being warned that nights will offer little relief, with overnight temperatures remaining above 25°C in many mid-altitude and higher areas, making sleeping conditions particularly uncomfortable.
Air quality is also expected to deteriorate in mountainous areas due to the build-up of Saharan dust.
AEMET is advising everyone to keep up to date with official weather forecasts and emergency alerts, stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and take extra care of children, older people and anyone vulnerable to the heat.
