The Canary Islands will face a combination of calima and intense heat this Wednesday, 17 September, according to a forecast by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The archipelago remains under a yellow weather warning for suspended dust and high temperatures, with Gran Canaria expected to experience the highest values, nearing 37ºC in certain regions.
Forest Fire Alert in Five Islands
Simultaneously, the Government of the Canary Islands has declared a forest fire risk alert for the islands of Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, and Gran Canaria. The rest of the archipelago remains under pre-alerts for high temperatures, calima, coastal phenomena, and strong winds. Authorities remind residents and visitors that access to mountainous areas is restricted, prohibiting any fires and advising against walking on trails.
Impact of the Calima
The calima is expected to impact the southern midlands significantly, although it may also reach coastal and low-lying areas. Concentrations of suspended dust could exceed 200 micrograms per cubic metre, considerably deteriorating air quality across several islands.
Temperature Forecast
- Gran Canaria: Up to 36ºC, with occasional peaks of 37ºC in the southern midlands and the Tejeda basin.
- Mountainous islands: Highs of 34ºC, particularly between 300 and 1,300 metres above sea level on southern slopes.
- Minimums: Very high overnight temperatures, around 26ºC, even in some southern coastal areas and on the eastern islands.
General Weather Conditions
The sky will be mostly clear with isolated low clouds on the northern and eastern coasts, alongside occasional medium to high clouds. Temperatures will rise on the northern slopes, while there will be slight decreases at the peaks, with little change elsewhere.
Winds will generally blow light to moderate from the east, with stronger gusts from the northeast in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and from the south at higher altitudes.
Recommendations from Authorities
Authorities urge the public to:
- Avoid direct sun exposure during midday hours.
- Maintain adequate hydration throughout the day.
- Refrain from intense physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.
- Exercise extreme caution in natural and forested areas due to the heightened risk of wildfires.
The combination of suspended dust, extreme heat, and forest fire risk renders Wednesday one of the most challenging days of the current heat episode in the Canary Islands.
