AEMET has extended its weather warnings across the Canary Islands today (Monday), with Gran Canaria placed under an orange alert as temperatures are forecast to reach 37°C, while yellow warnings are in force in Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
The latest warnings come as the Canary Islands continue to experience a combination of high temperatures, calima and strong winds, with the regional government also maintaining measures related to the risk of forest fires.
The most serious AEMET warning today applies to Gran Canaria, where an orange warning for extreme heat is in force across eastern, southern and western parts of the island.
Meanwhile, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are under yellow warnings for high temperatures, with maximums of 34°C forecast in affected areas.
Gran Canaria under orange warning
The orange warning in Gran Canaria is active between 10:00am and 8:00pm today, covering eastern, southern and western areas.
Temperatures are forecast to reach 37°C, particularly in the medianías, or mid-altitude areas. Night-time temperatures will also remain unusually high, with the mercury locally struggling to fall below 26°C.
The island's mountain areas remain under a lower-level yellow warning.
The hot conditions are expected to continue into Tuesday, when another warning will be in place between 10:00am and 8:00pm, with maximum temperatures of around 36°C forecast. Coastal areas are expected to be less affected.
Yellow warning for Tenerife
In Tenerife, a yellow warning for high temperatures is active today between 12:00 noon and 8:00pm.
It covers the east, south and west of the island, where temperatures could reach 34°C.
The highest temperatures are expected mainly in the island's mid-altitude areas.
This follows strong winds and rough coastal conditions during Sunday, when gusts of up to 70km/h were forecast in parts of Tenerife.
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura could reach 34°C
Yellow heat warnings are also active across Lanzarote and Fuerteventura today.
Both warnings run from 12:00 noon until 8:00pm, with maximum temperatures of 34°C forecast.
In both islands, the highest temperatures are expected particularly across their southern halves.
Lanzarote was also affected by strong winds on Sunday, when gusts of up to 70km/h were forecast, particularly in southeastern areas.
Calima and forest fire risk continue
Alongside AEMET's official weather warnings, the Canary Islands Government continues to monitor several potentially hazardous conditions across the archipelago.
Pre-alerts remain in place due to calima, high temperatures and strong winds, while a higher-level alert remains active for the risk of forest fires in affected areas.
The combination of very high temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds can significantly increase the possibility of fires starting and spreading quickly.
Residents and tourists are therefore advised to avoid activities that could accidentally cause a fire and to take particular care in rural, mountainous and forested areas.
Take extra care in the heat
People spending time outdoors are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, stay well hydrated and use adequate sun protection.
Particular care should be taken with young children, elderly people and anyone with existing health conditions, who can be more vulnerable during periods of extreme heat.
Drivers should also never leave children or animals inside parked vehicles, even for a short period, as temperatures inside cars can rise extremely quickly.
With warnings currently extending into Tuesday, further updates from AEMET are possible as forecasts are revised.
