A rise in temperatures is expected, accompanied by upper-level dust, increased gusts of wind, and rough sea conditions.
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 14 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Government of the Canary Islands has urged the public to adhere to self-protection recommendations in light of weather forecasts indicating the arrival of warm, dry air to the archipelago. This situation is expected to cause a rise in temperatures, along with the presence of high-altitude dust, increased wind gusts, and adverse sea conditions.
In response to these conditions, the General Directorate of Emergencies has declared a pre-alert situation for wind affecting various areas across all the islands, as well as a pre-alert for coastal phenomena in the western islands and Gran Canaria, effective from 18:00 today, as noted in a press release from the regional department.
The wind gust declaration will particularly affect El Hierro, La Palma (Mazo, Fuencaliente, El Paso, Garafía, and high areas of Puntagorda and Tijarafe); La Gomera (Vallehermoso, Valle Gran Rey, Alajeró, and San Sebastián de La Gomera); Tenerife (Macizo de Teno, Santiago del Teide, Granadilla, Arico, Fasnia, Güímar, Arafo, Candelaria, El Rosario, La Laguna, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife); and Gran Canaria (Gáldar, Agaete, Artenara, Tejeda, the coast of La Aldea, and the coasts of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, Agüimes, Ingenio, and Telde).
Furthermore, Fuerteventura (Pájara, Tuineje, Betancuria, and the western half of Puerto del Rosario) and Lanzarote (Yaiza, Teguise, Arrecife, and the west coast of Haría) will also be affected.
As for the worsening sea conditions, these will impact the coast of Garafía, Fuencaliente, and Mazo in La Palma; the northwest and southeast coasts of La Gomera; the western and southeastern coastal areas of El Hierro; the northern coast of Buenavista and from Candelaria to San Miguel de Abona in Tenerife; as well as the coastlines of Gáldar, Agaete, Artenara, La Aldea, and Santa Lucía de Tirajana in Gran Canaria, and offshore near the more elevated islands.
FIRE ALERT IN GRAN CANARIA
In addition, a fire risk alert will be active in Gran Canaria from tomorrow, Monday, 15 September, particularly for areas above 400 metres in altitude, starting at 10:00. A pre-alert for maximum temperatures will also be in effect in the intermediate zones of the north, the summit, and the eastern, southern, and western slopes of the island, from 11:00 onwards.
The pre-alert for fire risk will remain in place across the western islands.
The weather forecast suggests moderate to strong northeast winds with potential gusts reaching or exceeding 50–70 kilometres per hour. At sea, the wind will blow from the northeast at force 6–7 (39–61 kilometres per hour), with likely strong and very strong gusts (50–70 km/h). These areas will also experience strong swells, and swell from the north reaching heights of 1–2 metres, alongside combined wave conditions that could exceed 2–2.5 metres.
The heatwave in Gran Canaria will also impact forested areas, with expected maximum temperatures likely to reach or exceed 30–34°C. Additionally, temperature inversions will occur at altitudes below 600 metres, and relative humidity will be 30% or lower at elevations around 700–800 metres, all accompanied by upper-level dust.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC
Given these circumstances, the Government of the Canary Islands advises the public to take all necessary precautions to minimise risks and accidents. To prevent forest fires, it is important, for instance, not to discard lit cigarettes, matches, or waste in wooded areas. Moreover, the use of fireworks, firecrackers, or any fire-containing devices in danger zones, even in open fields, agricultural areas, or urban developments surrounded by forests, is strictly prohibited.
It is also essential to follow the restrictions set by various local councils regarding access to forested areas and to refrain from engaging in activities that could heighten risks in these zones until this situation has passed. With regard to rising temperatures, it is advisable not to perform physical exercises during the hottest parts of the day, staying instead in cool places, drinking plenty of liquids, and protecting oneself from the sun outdoors.
Furthermore, it is advisable to consume light and regular meals and to avoid alcohol, among other recommendations. Given the wind gusts and travel conditions, whether by vehicle or on foot, it is necessary to exercise caution for potential obstructions on the path, such as tree branches or urban furniture, and to avoid walking through gardens or wooded areas.
At coastal locations, it is vital to avoid standing on docks and breakwaters, or remaining near the sea to prevent being struck or swept away by waves. It is also recommended to postpone nautical or sporting activities and not to swim at remote, unsupervised beaches.
In any emergency situation, remember to call 112 immediately.
