Heatwave and Weather Alerts in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are experiencing a significant rise in temperatures, with some areas expected to exceed 38°C. Weather alerts have been issued across the archipelago due to the heat and potential for storms.
The Canary Islands are currently facing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to peak today. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has forecasted that some regions, particularly in Gran Canaria, could see temperatures surpassing 38°C. This heatwave is accompanied by a calima, or dust haze, and cloudy skies in the western islands, with a chance of light showers and thunderstorms in La Palma and Tenerife.
Due to these conditions, a yellow alert for high temperatures has been issued for Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Tenerife. The government has extended the pre-alert for maximum temperatures across all islands, attributing the heat to a warm air mass from Africa.
In the eastern islands, such as Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, temperatures are expected to reach up to 38°C. In Tenerife, the heat is most intense today, with highs around 36°C and local peaks of 37°C, especially in the southern and southwestern areas. The north may also experience elevated temperatures before they start to drop tomorrow.
Despite the heat, some northern areas of Tenerife experienced afternoon showers, with places like San Juan de la Rambla recording 3.4 liters/m2 of rain. La Gomera saw the highest rainfall in the archipelago, with Hermigua recording 4.4 liters/m2.
The government has also heightened the alert for forest fire risks in El Hierro and La Palma, joining existing measures in Gran Canaria and Tenerife. Meanwhile, La Gomera remains on pre-alert for fire risks.
Health advisories have been issued due to the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Moderate risk alerts are in place for areas like Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, while a lower risk level is noted for other parts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, as well as Fuerteventura.
Aemet predicts a warm autumn with normal to above-average rainfall, following a summer characterized by high temperatures and humidity.
For those considering property investments or relocations in the Canary Islands, it's crucial to be aware of the current weather conditions and their potential impact. The ongoing heatwave and associated risks, such as forest fires and health advisories, highlight the importance of understanding local climate patterns. This knowledge can aid in making informed decisions about property locations and necessary precautions during extreme weather events.
