Spain's meteorological agency, Aemet, has activated a series of weather warnings across the country for Monday, with the most severe alert reserved for the island of Gran Canaria, where temperatures are forecast to hit 40°C. The red alert, the highest level, covers the highlands and the eastern, southern, and western slopes of the island, where the heat is expected to be particularly intense.
Canary Islands swelter under extreme heat
Elsewhere in the archipelago, the heat is also making its presence felt. Tenerife is under an orange alert, with thermometers expected to reach 37°C, while Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro remain on yellow alert. In addition to the high temperatures, Gran Canaria and La Gomera are bracing for strong gusts of wind that could reach 80 kilometres per hour, potentially complicating outdoor activities and increasing the risk of wildfires.
The Canary Islands have been experiencing a prolonged spell of hot weather, a pattern that has become more frequent in recent years. The archipelago's location off the coast of North Africa makes it particularly susceptible to warm air masses from the Sahara, a phenomenon that often brings dust-laden skies and elevated temperatures.
Storms and hail threaten the northeast
On the mainland, the focus shifts to Catalonia and Aragon, where Aemet has issued an orange alert for severe thunderstorms. The storms are expected to be locally intense, particularly in the central lowlands of Lleida and Tarragona, as well as in the south of Huesca and the Bajo Aragón area of Teruel. Forecasters warn that these storms could bring hailstones larger than two centimetres in diameter, along with strong wind gusts.
In addition, several areas of the Pyrenees in Lleida and Huesca are under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall, with up to 20 litres per square metre expected in a single hour. Such downpours can lead to flash flooding in mountain valleys, so residents and hikers are advised to stay vigilant.
Heat persists in the south and the Balearics
The heatwave is not confined to the islands. In the province of Málaga, particularly along the Costa del Sol and in the Guadalhorce valley, an orange alert remains in force, with highs of up to 39°C. Murcia and Almería are on yellow alert, where temperatures could briefly touch 40°C. Meanwhile, on Mallorca, Aemet forecasts up to 37°C, prompting a yellow alert for the island.
These conditions are typical of a Spanish summer, but the intensity and duration of the heat have raised concerns among health authorities. Prolonged exposure to such temperatures can lead to heatstroke and dehydration, especially among the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Aemet advises the public to take extra precautions during the hottest hours of the day, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and stay informed about the evolving weather warnings. Local authorities have also reminded residents to check on vulnerable neighbours and to ensure that pets have access to shade and water.
The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates are expected as the day progresses. For those planning travel or outdoor activities, it is advisable to consult the latest forecasts and heed any official warnings.
