Severe Summer Heatwave Hits the Canary Islands: Temperatures Set to Rise Above 40°C Across the Archipelago

CANARY ISLANDS – Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a special weather alert for a major heatwave affecting the Canary Islands from Wednesday 29th July, with temperatures expected to reach or exceed 40°C in several parts of the islands.

The official update confirms that extreme weather conditions will persist until at least Sunday 2nd August, with a strong likelihood of high temperatures continuing into the following week. The hardest-hit areas will be Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura, particularly inland zones and south-facing slopes.

Day-by-Day Temperature Forecast

According to AEMET, temperatures will steadily climb throughout the archipelago over the coming days:

• Wednesday 29th July: Heat builds across mid-altitude areas of La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, exceeding 36°C in Gran Canaria’s valleys.
• Thursday 30th July: The hot air mass expands. Temperatures will hit 36–38°C in southern Gran Canaria, while southern Tenerife and inland Fuerteventura will top 35°C.
• Friday 31st July: High heat continues with 37–38°C forecast for Gran Canaria and interior Fuerteventura, with isolated peaks reaching 39–40°C in southern valleys.
• Weekend (1st–2nd August): Extreme conditions persist, remaining well above 37–38°C in southern and inland areas.

Saharan Dust, Tropical Nights & Forest Fire Warnings

The incoming air mass is accompanied by airborne Saharan dust (calima), driven by low relative humidity and southerly wind gusts. Emergency services have placed forest fire danger at extreme levels across most islands.

Overnight temperatures will also remain abnormally warm, staying above 25°C in mid and higher elevation zones. Guests staying at holiday apartments in los cristianos and southern coastal resorts are advised to drink plenty of fluids, limit intense outdoor activity during peak daylight hours, and protect vulnerable family members from heat stress.