Southern Tenerife awoke yesterday, following the strong waves that battered its shores last Wednesday, to yet another adverse weather phenomenon: soaring temperatures. The General Directorate of Emergencies, in line with AEMET’s forecast and in accordance with the Specific Emergency Plan of the Canary Islands for Phenomena Risks, declared an alert due to “an episode of high temperatures, coupled with dry air and varying degrees of haze.”
In Arona, the high temperatures made their presence felt from early in the morning. By 7 o’clock, numerous thermometers in the town squares were already showing temperatures of up to 28 degrees. The indoor atmosphere quickly became stifling due to the haze that enveloped the air and veiled the skies.
In Los Cristianos, a coastal town in Arona, many residents were roused from their sleep by the oppressive heat in their homes. Some ventured out onto the streets at dawn, lamenting that “sleep was out of the question.” While heat is a common occurrence in the area, the intensity and suddenness of this heatwave caught many off guard. “I didn’t have access to air conditioning, so I had to resort to opening the windows. The heat crept in and I couldn’t get a wink of sleep,” recounted Carmen, a long-time resident of the town.
How do locals combat the intense heat and haze?
When asked about coping mechanisms for such days, Luisa jokingly pointed to a bottle of water and quipped, “I do what you do.” This query sparked discussions among different groups of neighbours. While some were left pondering, the prevailing suggestion seemed to be “cold water and keeping the house well-ventilated.”
Sitting next to Luisa on a bench in front of the cultural centre, some residents echoed her sentiments, although a woman interjected, exclaiming, “Do you leave your house open in this heat? Are we insane?” This difference of opinion ignited a debate: some preferred the faint breeze that might be present, while others opted to shut all doors and windows wide open to combat the dust and heat. Those who remained silent seemed resigned to the overpowering heat and haze.
A luxury beyond reach for some
“Do you think I’m made of money?” was the common retort when locals were questioned about using air conditioning. The consensus was that operating these devices leads to a “dent in your wallet.”
Andrea Fernández, the proprietor of Nico’s, a beachwear store situated on Juan XXIII Street, operates her shop in one of the busiest avenues frequented by both tourists and locals in Los Cristianos. “I rely heavily on fans now. I try to keep the door open, but on days like these, especially in establishments like mine with limited airflow, it’s crucial to have the fan running all day,” she observed.
This sentiment seems to resonate with the general public and workers alike. However, Juan, a renowned domino player in the seaside town, posed an intriguing question: “Since when did using a fan become a luxury only for the wealthy?”
