Canary Islands issue pre‑alert for high temperatures this Sunday

Temperatures could exceed 35 °C in Fuerteventura

The Government of the Canary Islands has urged residents to take the necessary precautions as temperatures are expected to rise from tomorrow onward. The aim is to minimise health risks associated with extreme heat and to prevent conditions that could trigger a forest‑fire alert.

For the first time in 2026, the Directorate General of Emergencies has declared:

• Pre‑alert for forest‑fire risk in Gran Canaria and Tenerife starting at 08:00 h on Sunday.
• Pre‑alert for maximum‑temperature risk across the entire archipelago from 11:00 h the same day.

These decisions are based on data from the State Meteorological Agency and other sources, and they are made under the Special Civil‑Protection and Emergency Plan for Forest Fires of the Canary Autonomous Community, as well as the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena.

Expected temperatures

• Fuerteventura and Lanzarote: Temperatures may reach, and occasionally exceed, 37 °C, especially in interior areas of the southern half of the islands.
• Gran Canaria: Maximums could surpass 34 °C in interior zones and the southern slopes, particularly those facing south and west.
• Tenerife and La Gomera (mid‑elevations and peaks): Temperatures may go above 32 °C, especially on south‑facing slopes.
• El Hierro and La Palma: Although less severe, temperatures could temporarily exceed 30 °C in the mid‑elevations and peaks of northeast El Hierro and the western slope of La Palma.

In addition, the forest‑fire risk in Gran Canaria and Tenerife is heightened by relative humidity below 30 % and southerly to south‑westerly winds in higher areas, which will be warm and dry.

The forecast indicates that the heat wave will persist throughout the coming week. The Directorate General of Emergencies will monitor the situation continuously and will implement further measures if necessary.

Recommended precautions

• Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Stay in cool places, drink plenty of fluids, and protect yourself from direct sunlight.
• Prefer light, regular meals and refrain from consuming alcohol.
• Pay special attention to the elderly and children, who are more vulnerable to intense heat. If you are on medication, consult your doctor to see whether it could affect thermoregulation or needs adjustment.

Measures to prevent forest fires

• Do not discard lit cigarettes, matches, or any waste in wooded areas.
• Refrain from using fireworks, firecrackers, or any device that contains fire in danger zones, even on open ground, agricultural land, or residential areas surrounded by forest.
• Never camp outside designated campsites, especially in remote locations away from access roads.
• Follow any restrictions imposed by island councils and municipal authorities regarding access to forest zones and any work that should be avoided until the risk period ends.

If you notice smoke or fire in the mountains, call 112 immediately—rapid response is crucial to prevent an uncontrolled blaze.