Extreme temperatures are expected this Saturday in Canary Islands, surpassing 37 ºC in the inland areas of the southern slope of Gran Canaria and reaching 35 ºC in Tenerife, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). In response to this situation, the Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands Government has extended health risk warnings until the 16th of July in several municipalities.
Warnings and affected areas
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The municipalities of Santa Lucía de Tirajana, San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Tejeda in Gran Canaria are under red alert, level 3 risk, while the town of Vilaflor in Tenerife has received an orange alert from the 13th to the 15th of July. The algorithm used to assign these risk levels takes into account the forecasted maximum temperatures, threshold temperatures, and specific risk factors for the 13 “meteohealth” zones in the Canary Islands.
The affected areas include:
- Gran Canaria: South, East, and West (34 ºC) and Summits (33 ºC).
- Tenerife: South, East, and West (34 ºC).
Recommendations for high temperatures
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The Department of Health has issued several recommendations for the population, especially for the most vulnerable groups, such as individuals over 65 years, infants, pregnant women, homeless individuals, athletes, and outdoor workers. The main measures include staying in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned places and frequently cooling off, as well as reducing physical activity and avoiding outdoor sports during the hottest hours of the day. It is crucial to drink water or fluids regularly, even when not thirsty, and avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or very sugary beverages.
Special attention should be paid to infants, children, pregnant or lactating women, older adults, and individuals with chronic illnesses. It is advisable to wear light, loose, breathable clothing and not leave anyone in parked, closed vehicles. If experiencing prolonged heat-related symptoms, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. It is also important to consume light meals that replenish salts lost through sweat, such as salads, fruits, vegetables, and juices. Finally, medications should be stored in a cool place to prevent heat from altering their composition.
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Island forecast for this Saturday
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Partly cloudy or clear with slight calima at higher altitudes. Temperatures remaining relatively unchanged, locally reaching 30 ºC in the inland southeast. Moderate to strong northeasterly winds with gusts of 60 km/h in southern and inland areas during the night.
[–>Forecasted minimum and maximum temperatures (°C): Arrecife 20 27
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Partly cloudy or clear with slight calima at higher altitudes. Temperatures between 30 and 32 ºC in the southeast. Moderate to strong northeasterly winds with very strong gusts during the night.
Forecasted minimum and maximum temperatures (°C): Puerto del Rosario 20 26
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Overcast in the northeast and partly cloudy on the northern coast, clear skies elsewhere with light haze at high altitudes. Temperatures up to 35 ºC in the inland of the southern slope. Night-time temperatures in this area around 25 ºC. Moderate to strong northeast winds with very strong gusts.
Expected minimum and maximum temperatures (°C): Santa Cruz de Tenerife 21 29
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Partly cloudy in low areas of the north, clear skies elsewhere with light haze at high altitudes. Possibility of reaching 30 ºC in the south. Moderate to strong northeast winds with very strong gusts.
Expected minimum and maximum temperatures (°C): San Sebastián de La Gomera 22 27
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Partly cloudy in low areas of the north and east, clear skies elsewhere with light haze at high altitudes. Possibility of temperatures exceeding 30 ºC in high areas and night-time lows of 25 ºC in the south. Moderate to strong northeast winds with very strong gusts.
Expected minimum and maximum temperatures (°C): Santa Cruz de La Palma 20 27
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Partly cloudy in low areas of the north, clear skies elsewhere with light haze at high altitudes. Possibility of reaching 30 ºC in the south. Moderate to strong northeast winds with very strong gusts.
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Expected minimum and maximum temperatures (°C): Valverde 19 25
