Canary Islands Government Urges Caution as Warm, Dry Air Mass Moves In

The incoming air mass will raise temperatures, bring high‑altitude dust (calima), increase wind gusts and deteriorate sea conditions.

The Government of the Canary Islands is asking residents to follow the self‑protection recommendations issued for the forecasted arrival of a warm, dry air mass over the archipelago. The system is expected to raise temperatures, be accompanied by calima aloft, intensify wind gusts and worsen sea state.

Alert Situation

Considering these conditions, the Directorate General of Emergencies has declared:

• Pre‑alert for wind affecting numerous municipalities on all islands, effective from 18:00 h on Sunday.
• Pre‑alert for coastal phenomena on the western islands and Gran Canaria, also from 18:00 h.

Wind‑alert municipalities

• El Hierro
• La Palma – Mazo, Fuencaliente, El Paso, Garafía, high zones of Puntagorda and Tijarafe
• La Gomera – Vallehermoso, Valle Gran Rey, Alajeró, San Sebastián de La Gomera
• Tenerife – Macizo de Teno, Santiago del Teide, Granadilla, Arico, Fasnia, Güímar, Arafo, Candelaria, El Rosario, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Gran Canaria – Gáldar, Agaete, Artenara, Tejeda, the coast of La Aldea and the shoreline of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Agüimes, Ingenio, Telde
• Fuerteventura – Pájara, Tuineje, Betancuria, western half of Puerto del Rosario
• Lanzarote – Yaiza, Teguise, Arrecife, western coast of Haría

Areas where sea conditions will deteriorate

• Garafía, Fuencaliente and Mazo (La Palma)
• Western and southeastern coasts of El Hierro
• Northwestern and east‑southeastern coasts of La Gomera
• Northern Buenavista and Candelaria down to San Miguel de Abona (southeastern Tenerife)
• Coastlines of Gáldar, Agaete, Artenara, La Aldea, Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Agüimes and Ingenio (Gran Canaria)
• Open sea between the islands with the greatest relief

Additional alerts

• Forest‑fire risk alert (elevations above 400 m) will be active on Gran Canaria from 10:00 h on Monday, 15 September.
• Pre‑alert for maximum temperatures in the northern mid‑altitudes, the summit, and the eastern, southern and western slopes of the island from 11:00 h.

The forest‑fire risk pre‑alert will remain in force for the western islands.

These decisions are based on information from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other sources, and on the Canary Islands’ Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest‑Fire Emergencies (INFOCA) and the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).

Meteorological Forecast

• Wind: Northeastern flow, moderate to strong, with gusts expected to reach or exceed 50–70 km/h.
• Sea: Northeastern wind at force 6–7 (39–61 km/h) with strong gusts (50–70 km/h). Expect a strong swell, background sea of 1–2 m from the north, and combined wave heights of 2–2.5 m.

Heat Episode in Gran Canaria

• Maximum temperatures are likely to reach or surpass 30–34 °C.
• Temperature inversion will occur below 600 m altitude.
• Relative humidity will be ≤ 30 % from about 700–800 m upward.
• The heat will be accompanied by high‑altitude dust (calima).

Self‑Protection Recommendations

• Fire prevention: Do not discard lit cigarette ends, matches or waste in wooded areas. Avoid launching fireworks, fire‑containing devices or any kind of pyrotechnics in vulnerable zones, agricultural lands or forest‑surrounded urban areas.
• Follow local restrictions: Respect any access limits or work prohibitions imposed by island councils or municipalities in forested zones until the risk period ends.
• Heat‑related advice:
  • Refrain from vigorous physical activity during the hottest part of the day.
  • Stay in cool, shaded places, drink plenty of fluids and protect yourself from direct sunlight.
  • Prefer light, regular meals and avoid alcohol consumption.
• Wind‑related safety: When moving—by vehicle or on foot—be alert for obstacles such as fallen branches or urban furniture. Avoid walking through gardens or densely treed areas.
• Coastal safety: Do not stay on piers, breakwaters or any spot close to the sea to avoid being struck or swept away by waves. Postpone nautical or water‑sports activities and avoid swimming at unguarded or remote beaches.

By adhering to these measures, residents can minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, and forest‑fire incidents during the upcoming adverse weather episode.