The Government of the Canary Islands asks the population to take the necessary precautions given the rise in temperatures expected from tomorrow, with the aim of minimizing heat-related health risks and avoiding situations that could contribute to a forest fire being declared.
Given these meteorological conditions, and for the first time in the year 2026, the General Directorate of Emergencies has declared a pre-alert situation for forest fire risk in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, starting from 08:00 tomorrow, Sunday, May 24, and a pre-alert for maximum temperatures throughout the archipelago from 11:00 on the same day.
These decisions have been made based on information provided by the State Meteorological Agency and other available sources, and in application of the Special Plan for Civil Protection and Emergency Response for Forest Fires of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (INFOCA) and the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Risks of Adverse Meteorological Phenomena (PEFMA).
Up to 37 degrees in Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
This is a heat episode with temperatures that, in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, may reach and even temporarily exceed 37ºC, especially in inland areas located in the southern half of these islands.
In Gran Canaria, maximum temperatures may reach and exceed 34ºC in inland areas and on the southern slope, especially in those oriented to the south and west.
In the case of the mid-slopes and summits of Tenerife and La Gomera, temperatures may also exceed 32ºC, especially on the south-facing slopes.
The episode will be somewhat less severe in the islands of El Hierro and La Palma, where, however, temperatures may temporarily reach and exceed 30ºC, specifically in the mid-slopes and summits of northeastern El Hierro, as well as on the western slope of La Palma.
Furthermore, regarding the forest fire risk in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, it is added that relative humidity will be low, remaining below 30%, and south to southwest winds are expected in high areas, which will be warm and dry
The forecast indicates that high temperatures will continue during the next week, so the General Directorate of Emergencies will permanently monitor their evolution and, if necessary, will adopt new measures.
Self-protection recommendations
Given the high temperatures in the coming days, it is advisable not to engage in physical exercise during the central hours of the day, staying in cool places, drinking plenty of fluids, and protecting yourself from the sun when outdoors. In addition, it is recommended to eat light and regular meals and avoid alcohol consumption.
Furthermore, special care should be taken with the elderly and minors, who are more vulnerable to these episodes of intense heat. If you are taking medication, consult your doctor to see if it can affect thermoregulation or if it needs to be adjusted or changed.
On the other hand, to prevent a forest fire from breaking out, it is important not to throw lit cigarette butts, matches, or waste in wooded areas. In addition, fireworks, firecrackers, or devices containing fire should not be launched in dangerous areas, even in open fields, nor in agricultural land or in housing developments surrounded by forests.
In this regard, one should never camp outside designated areas, especially in areas far from access roads. Likewise, it is essential to follow the limitations set by the different island councils and town halls, both regarding access to the forest area and the work that should be avoided in these areas until this risk situation ends.
If smoke or fire is observed in the mountains, it is necessary to call 112 immediately, as reaction time is key to preventing a fire from spreading uncontrollably.
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