The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has upgraded its weather warnings for the Canary Islands, placing Gran Canaria on a red alert for extreme heat today (Monday 3rd August), with temperatures expected to reach 40°C or higher in parts of the island.
The highest warning level, classed as "extraordinary danger", will be in force from 11:00am until 8:00pm, covering the island's summit areas and the east, south and west. Forecasters say the Tejeda basin and mid-altitude areas in the south-east and west could see temperatures exceed 40°C.
The rest of the Canary Islands will remain under yellow heat warnings, while parts of Tenerife have been placed on an orange alert due to the expected high temperatures.
Gran Canaria
As well as the red heat warning, parts of Gran Canaria are under a yellow warning for strong winds until midday, with gusts of up to 80km/h expected.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, the red warning will be downgraded to orange, although temperatures could still reach 39°C, with isolated areas in the south-east potentially exceeding 40°C.
Tenerife
Tenerife will be under an orange heat warning today between 11:00am and 8:00pm, with temperatures forecast to reach 37°C, particularly across the mid-altitude areas and, in some locations, coastal zones.
On Tuesday, the orange warning will continue across the east, south and west of the island, as well as the Santa Cruz metropolitan area, although maximum temperatures are expected to ease slightly to around 35°C.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote remains on a yellow heat warning today, with temperatures of up to 35°C widely expected. Inland areas and the south-east coast could locally reach 37°C.
The island is also under a yellow wind warning from 6:00pm until 2:00am, with gusts of up to 70km/h affecting coastal and inland areas in the south-east.
The yellow heat warning will remain in place on Tuesday.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura will stay under a yellow heat alert on both Monday and Tuesday between 11:00am and 8:00pm.
Temperatures are expected to reach 34°C, although inland areas and the south-east coast could see highs of 37°C.
La Gomera
La Gomera is under yellow warnings for both heat and strong winds today.
Temperatures could reach 35°C in the island's higher areas and south-facing slopes, while wind gusts of up to 80km/h are expected throughout the day.
Both warnings will remain in force on Tuesday.
La Palma
La Palma is also on a yellow heat warning today, with temperatures reaching 35°C across the summit areas and around 34°C in the mid-altitudes.
On Tuesday, the warning will be upgraded to orange for the western side of the island, where temperatures of between 37°C and 40°C are possible.
El Hierro
El Hierro will remain under a yellow heat warning today between 11:00am and 8:00pm, with temperatures of up to 35°C expected, particularly in the island's higher areas and south-facing mid-altitude zones.
Take Care in the Heat
Authorities are urging both residents and visitors to take extra care during the hottest part of the day by:
With exceptionally high temperatures forecast across much of the archipelago, everyone is advised to follow official weather updates and any guidance issued by local authorities.
