The Canary Islands are facing another hot and dusty day today, Sunday 13th September, as temperatures rise again and official health warnings for extreme heat take effect in several parts of the archipelago.
After some temporary relief from the most intense conditions of the past week, temperatures are forecast to increase again, particularly across inland areas and higher ground.
Calima will also become increasingly noticeable, particularly at altitude and across the eastern Canary Islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
The most significant temperatures are expected in Gran Canaria, where values could locally exceed 34°C in southeastern areas of the island.
But the heat isn't restricted to one island.
Tenerife could exceed 30°C in the southeast, while temperatures of more than 32°C are possible in southeastern Fuerteventura. Inland Lanzarote could also exceed 30°C.
Tenerife
Northern Tenerife will begin with some cloudy intervals at lower levels, although these should become less extensive around the middle of the day. Elsewhere, skies will generally be clear or mostly clear.
Calima will be more noticeable across mountainous areas, while temperatures are forecast to rise. Values could exceed 30°C in the southeast, while Santa Cruz de Tenerife is expected to reach approximately 32°C.
The trade wind will generally be light to moderate around coastal areas, with easterly winds at higher elevations.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is expected to experience the highest temperatures of the four main tourist islands today.
Conditions will generally be clear or mostly clear apart from some cloudy intervals across low-lying northern areas. Calima will become more noticeable across the higher inland areas and mountains.
Temperatures could locally exceed 34°C across southeastern areas, although Las Palmas de Gran Canaria itself will be considerably cooler, with a maximum around 28°C.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote will be mostly clear or sunny after some morning cloud in western areas.
Calima is expected to become increasingly noticeable, particularly inland, and temperatures could climb above 30°C away from the coast. Arrecife is forecast to reach approximately 31°C.
Northerly winds will remain moderate before easing later in the day.
Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura will also experience predominantly clear skies, although there may be some cloudy intervals in western areas. The Saharan dust will be particularly noticeable inland and could reach lower levels.
Temperatures are expected to exceed 32°C locally in the southeast, while Puerto del Rosario is forecast to reach approximately 30°C.
New health warnings start today
The rise in temperatures has prompted the Canary Islands Health Service to activate its MeteoSalud heat-risk system in several areas from today.
A Level 2 orange warning applies to the areas of Santa Cruz de Tenerife-El Rosario, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Telde and Lanzarote.
Orange indicates a moderate risk to vulnerable people, including those over 65 and people with health factors that make them particularly susceptible to high temperatures. It can also represent a risk to the general population during prolonged exposure to the sun.
A Level 1 yellow warning applies in Fuerteventura.
Residents and visitors are advised to remain well hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunshine during the hottest part of the day and pay particular attention to children, older people and anyone with existing health problems.
The existing seasonal forest-fire pre-alert also remains in force across Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
With temperatures climbing again and calima returning, anyone planning hiking, sightseeing or other prolonged outdoor activities today should take the conditions seriously, carry sufficient water and avoid unnecessary exposure during the hottest hours.
