Canary Islands on Pre-Alert as First Summer Heatwave Approaches

The Canarian Government has declared a state of pre-alert on the islands in preparation for the heatwave that is forecast to arrive on Sunday and last until Thursday.

A pre-alert is a measure taken by regional government to ensure that emergency and health services are fully prepared for an extreme weather episode. 

The heatwave will result from a mass of hot air moving from the African continent and is likely to be accompanied by a light calima on the eastern islands. Nights are predicted to be especially warm, with temperatures remaining above 30° in many areas.

Maximum temperatures of 38 degrees are currently predicted for Lanzarote on Tuesday. If the forecast remains unchanged, this will almost certainly trigger an orange heat alert from Spain’s weather agency, AEMET (AEMET alerts are only issued a maximum three days in advance).

On Lanzarote, the temperatures that trigger heat alerts are: 34° Yellow, 37° Orange, 40° Red.

The Canarian Health Council offers the following recommendations in the event of heatwaves:

• Try to remain in cool, shaded or air-conditioned places, and refresh yourself when needed.
• Cut down physical activity and do not practice outdoor sports in the central hours of the day.
• Drink water or liquids frequently.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or high amounts of sugar, as they cause dehydration.
• Pay special attention to: babies, children, pregnant or lactating women, as well as the elderly or people with diseases that can be aggravated by heat (such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cancer, reduced mobility, dementia and other mental illnesses, as well as drug or alcohol abuse).
• Wear light, loose clothing that allows perspiration.
• Do not leave anyone in a parked and closed vehicle (especially people who are minors, the elderly or those with chronic illnesses).
• If you suffer symptoms that last more than an hour and that may be related to high temperatures, see a doctor immediately.
• Eat light meals that help replace the salts lost through sweat (salads, fruits, vegetables, juices, etc.).
• Keep medication in a cool place; heat can alter its composition and its effects.