The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Directorate General for Emergencies, has officially lifted the early warnings for heat and wind that were in effect across the archipelago. The decision took effect at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, 20 August, following an evaluation of data from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and other official sources, in accordance with the Canary Islands Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Weather Conditions (PEFMA).
The pre-alert for calima, which had applied to the entire archipelago, was also lifted as the atmospheric conditions that triggered its activation eased. Similarly, the pre-alert for wind, which had impacted specific areas of El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote, has been withdrawn as adverse gusts diminished.
Regional authorities have emphasised that these measures were lifted because the conditions justifying their declaration had ceased to exist.
Three Alerts Still Active
Although some warnings have been cancelled, three important alerts remain in place across the Canary Islands:
- Coastal Phenomena
- The pre-alert continues in the western islands and Gran Canaria, particularly on the west, northwest, and southeast coasts, as well as in the high seas between islands.
- Forecasts indicate northeast gusts of up to 61 km/h, heavy to very heavy seas, and combined waves potentially reaching 3 metres.
- High Temperatures
- The pre-alert for heat remains active across the entire archipelago.
- The heatwave continues in interior zones, midlands, and highlands, with the western and southern slopes of the higher islands most affected.
- Temperatures are expected to exceed 34 ºC in some areas.
- Forest Fire Risk
- The Directorate General for Emergencies has raised the situation to forest fire risk alert in El Hierro, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Palma.
- The alert applies to altitudes between 400 and 600 metres, depending on slope orientation.
- The persistence of dry air, haze, and high temperatures significantly increases the danger of wildfires, justifying the highest level of prevention in forested areas.
Call for Caution
The Canary Islands Government once again urges the public to:
- Take extreme precautions,
- Avoid risky behaviour in both rural and coastal environments,
- And follow the instructions of authorities at all times.
By maintaining vigilance and adhering to safety recommendations, residents and visitors can reduce risks while these alerts remain in force.
